Which animals fake their deaths to escape predators or lure prey?
Animals fake their death, scientifically known as thanatosis, to escape predators, lure prey, or gain an advantage during mating. Under threat, fire-bellied toads reportedly arch their backs and contort limbs to show yellow or orange markings, while hognose snakes lie motionless and emit foul-smelling fluid from their anal glands. The male nursery web spider acts dead for mating.