Insects have their very own cornucopia of odours, some of them toxic.
Millipedes secrete a smelly, caustic liquid to make themselves unpalatable. The liquid can burn the skin and eyes. In some species, the liquid contains hydrogen cyanide, a poison that is strong enough to kill a mouse. Lemurs and capuchin monkeys have been observed rubbing millipedes on their skin to get rid of parasites!
The bombardier beetle gets its name from the hot, lethal chemical spray that it shoots out from the tip of its abdomen. The beetle stores two chemicals in separate compartments. When it releases them, they react together, heating up to almost boiling point. The beetle sprays in a rhythmic ‘machine gun’ mode to prevent overheating.
Picture Credit : Google