- #1
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I don't think I would! Anyone know why they do?
Why Do Bugs Flip Over Before Dying?
- Thread starter marcusl
- Start date
In summary, the conversation discussed the topic of why standing bugs tend to fall over after they die. The provided link offers speculation on the matter, citing factors such as falling off walls, being top-heavy, and the inability to right themselves when on their backs. The conversation also includes a humorous suggestion that other bugs may turn them over to give them CPR.
- #2
neurocomp2003
- 1,366
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Do they die before they flip over? and flip over results in it? or do they actually flip over before dying?
- #3
Moridin
- 692
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Why do standing humans fall over after they die? 
- #4
Phobos
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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try this...
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_024.html
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_024.html
- #5
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Thank you for taking my question seriously! [Although the answer seems to be speculation rather than fact... ]
]- #6
DaveC426913
Gold Member
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I think it hits pretty close to home though.
I think it's not that bugs flip over to die, I think it's that, when you find a dead bug, it is more likely to be on its back for several independent reasons, some of which are mentioned in the link.
- They fall off the wall, or off whatever.
- They are top-heavy - especially since their legs curl up under them when they die.
- It is possible for them to start on their feet and get flipped onto their backs after death, but impossible for them to start on their backs and get flipped over onto their feet.
- Many may die BECAUSE they fell on their backs and can't right themselves.
Ultimately I think, as a rigid object, they are much miore stable on their backs. The above are all randomizing factors that favour this position.
I think it's not that bugs flip over to die, I think it's that, when you find a dead bug, it is more likely to be on its back for several independent reasons, some of which are mentioned in the link.
- They fall off the wall, or off whatever.
- They are top-heavy - especially since their legs curl up under them when they die.
- It is possible for them to start on their feet and get flipped onto their backs after death, but impossible for them to start on their backs and get flipped over onto their feet.
- Many may die BECAUSE they fell on their backs and can't right themselves.
Ultimately I think, as a rigid object, they are much miore stable on their backs. The above are all randomizing factors that favour this position.
- #7
BillJx
neurocomp2003 said:
The other bugs turn them over to give them CPR.
Sorry for being flippant.
1. Why do bugs flip over to die?
Bugs may flip over to die because of a loss of muscle control. As they near death, their muscles may become weaker and they may lose the ability to keep themselves upright.
2. Is flipping over a common way for bugs to die?
Flipping over is one of many ways that bugs may die, and it may not be the most common. Some bugs may simply stop moving or become immobile, while others may die while still in an upright position. It ultimately depends on the individual bug and its species.
3. Are there any benefits for bugs to flip over when dying?
There is no clear evidence to suggest that there are any benefits for bugs to flip over when dying. It is simply a natural response of their bodies as they near death.
4. Do all bugs flip over to die?
No, not all bugs flip over to die. Some may remain in an upright position, while others may die while moving or crawling. Again, it depends on the individual bug and its species.
5. Can bugs be revived after flipping over to die?
In most cases, once a bug has flipped over to die, it is unlikely that it can be revived. This is because the loss of muscle control is a sign of impending death, and attempting to revive the bug may cause more harm than good.
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