deimatic behaviour Intimidating behaviour in animals which serves to warn off potential predators. It may be bluff (e.g. the inflation of the lungs in some toads, which increases their size) or may precede an attack (e.g. when skunks rise on their forelegs prior to spraying an evil-smelling liquid).

deimatic behaviour Intimidating behaviour in animals which serves to warn off potential predators. It may be bluff (e.g. the inflation of the lungs in some toads, which increases their size) or may precede an attack (e.g. when skunks rise on their forelegs prior to spraying an evil-smelling liquid).