But some species are a little more macabre. One species of caterpillar, the gum leaf skeletonizer (Uraba lugens), dons a “hat” of heads, a conical ornament made up of its own discarded head capsules, one stacked on top of the next.

The disguise is gory but effective. Researchers studying this grotesque accessory have found that it helps the caterpillar ward off attack by confusing its predators, making it a truly a functional fashion item.

Trick or treat, smell my feet

The orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) prefers a simple trick to get its treat.

But get too close and the orchid mantis doesn’t smell too sweet. It uses its front legs to hunt, aggressively snatching and eating insects looking for a treat of nectar or pollen.

Ssssscary stuff

For some people, Halloween is all about terror.

The larval form of the tropical moth Hemeroplanes triptolemus falls neatly into that category. It is a harmless caterpillar, but when threatened does a compelling impersonation of a snake.

Birds love to eat caterpillas, but snakes love to eat birds. So, when this larva is in cognito, it wins the costume contest every time.

That one costume that goes a little too far

Inevitably at a Halloween party, someone with an unusual sense of humour will wear a costume that just isn’t appropriate.

In the insect world, the inappropriate costume prize might go to the caterpillars who pose as bird feces. Caterpillars are a pretty ideal snack for birds — they often occur in high densities, are high in fats and are easy to catch.

Caterpillars can try to avoid predatory birds by masquerading as bird droppings. There are very few larger organisms that feed on bird feces, so this disguise is a useful strategy to avoid being eaten. It is such an effective disguise, in fact, that many species are known to use this strategy, including many species of charismatic swallowtail butterflies.

A thorn between two thorns

Have you ever shown up at a party and found someone else was wearing the same costume? It’s embarrassing. But some insects use this otherwise awkward situation to keep a low profile.