In the natural world, animals have unique ways to defend themselves. Live Science has compiled a list of some of the most unique secret weapons of various animals.
Diving Beetle
The diving beetle Thermonectus marmoratus is an efficient predator in the water. They are exceptional swimmers and can even prey on small fish. No prey is too small for the Thermonectus marmoratus, which can also fly from one body of water to another. When attacked, these beetles release toxic steroids that are harmful to fish and amphibians.
Stink Bug
The pincers of a stink bug look quite intimidating. However, for smaller creatures, the real threat lies in the chemicals sprayed from the bug’s abdomen. For convenience, the stink bug directs its chemical spray towards its pincers.
Slug Caterpillar
An ant trying to nibble on a slug caterpillar known scientifically as Dalcerides ingenita will find itself “stuck” by the sticky cover on the caterpillar’s warts.
Assassin Bug
The assassin bug Apiomerus flaviventris has a beak to inject venom from its saliva into its prey. Its sting can also be painful for humans. This creature releases a strong odor to defend itself when disturbed.
Vinegaroon
The vinegaroon, scientifically known as Mastigoproctus giganteus, resembles a scorpion but its tail functions as a directional antenna rather than a weapon. However, this creature can spray a concentrated solution of acetic acid (the sour component in vinegar) through openings in its tail, which it can aim with great precision. The secreted liquid repels ants, mice, and other predators.
Scorpion
The amount of venom produced by different species of scorpions varies widely. Although many people fear them, the sting of most scorpion species typically causes pain similar to that of a bee sting and rarely results in death. Nevertheless, a few species, including the bark scorpion found in the southwestern United States, can be lethal.
Honeybee
The sting of a honeybee can be deadly for those who are allergic. In the United States, the number of deaths from bee stings exceeds those from bites or stings of snakes, spiders, or any other venomous creatures. Only female bees possess a stinger at the end of their bodies, and these sterile females make up the majority of a honeybee colony’s workforce. A bee directs its stinger at a victim and embeds it, releasing venom as it departs. The loss of its abdomen ultimately leads to the bee’s death.
Florida Wood Cockroach
Inside the Eurycotis floridana cockroach is a gland that produces a secretion with 40 components, including acids, esters, and foul-smelling compounds. The Florida wood cockroach can spray this unpleasant secretion up to 15 cm or more. Both mice and lizards find this quite unappealing.
Centipede
The multitude of legs makes centipedes appear creepy. However, beware of the centipede’s fangs. The front and back of many centipedes look similar. If you mistakenly grab a centipede by its back, it will curl up and bite. Centipedes primarily feed on insects but they also enjoy toads and mice, which is quite feasible since they can grow up to 30.5 cm long.
