2021 Editor's Choice Award and Editor's Choice Articles

Abstract

Iwanami et al. (2021) Defensive spray by a semiaquatic osmylid larva (Insecta: Neuroptera) for both aquatic and terrestrial predators (Volume 39, Issue 3, pp 369-377).The authors investigated whether the spraying of chemical secretions by the larvae of Osmylus hyalinatul, a semiaquatic Neopteran insect, serves to deter predators. They determined that both terrestrial and aquatic predators find it difficult to prey on the osmylid larvae when they are sprayed with chemicals from the latter's anal opening. The editorial committee praised the study for its focus on interesting phenomena occurring at the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and for its value in connection with natural history. The committee also recognized that the study's conclusions were supported by solid methodologies.