The natural world is full of surprises, and some of the most fascinating creatures are those that use chemical weapons to defend themselves or hunt prey. These acid-spewing organisms have evolved remarkable abilities to produce and spray corrosive substances. From tiny insects to large mammals, these creatures use their chemical arsenal in clever ways. Some use it to ward off predators, while others employ it to catch their next meal. Let’s explore 14 of these incredible acid-spraying animals and learn about their unique adaptations.
Bombardier Beetle
The bombardier beetle is a master of chemical warfare. When threatened, it mixes two chemicals in a special chamber in its abdomen. This creates a boiling hot, toxic spray that it can aim with impressive accuracy. The beetle can fire this spray up to 70 times before running out of ammo. The spray reaches temperatures of nearly 100°C, hot enough to burn human skin.
Horned Lizard
Also known as the “blood-squirting lizard”, this reptile has a bizarre defence mechanism. When cornered, it can increase the blood pressure around its eyes until the blood vessels burst. It then sprays a stream of blood mixed with a foul-tasting chemical at its attacker. This blood spray can travel up to 1.5 metres, often aimed directly at the predator’s mouth.
Vinegaroon
This arachnid, also called a whip scorpion, gets its name from its vinegar-like spray. When threatened, it can shoot a fine mist of acetic acid from glands at the base of its whip-like tail. The spray can accurately hit targets up to half a metre away. While not dangerous to humans, this acidic spray can irritate eyes and mucous membranes.
Fulmar
This seabird has a stomach-turning defence. When threatened, it can projectile vomit a foul-smelling orange oil at its attacker. This oil is made up of wax esters and triglycerides that the bird usually uses to feed its chicks. The oil is so sticky and pungent that it can mat a predator’s fur or feathers, potentially leading to death by exposure.
Millipede
Many millipede species can produce hydrogen cyanide as a defence. When disturbed, they release this toxic substance from pores along their body. Some species can even direct the spray towards the threat. Interestingly, lemurs have been observed rubbing millipedes on their fur to use the cyanide as an insect repellent.
Hagfish
This eel-like fish is known for its ability to produce large amounts of slime. When attacked, it releases this slime, which expands in water to create a thick, suffocating gel. This slime contains threads that are stronger than nylon. A single hagfish can fill a 20-litre bucket with slime in minutes, effectively clogging the gills of any would-be predator.
Velvet Worm
These ancient creatures have a unique hunting method. They spray a sticky slime from glands on their head, which quickly hardens in air. This traps their prey, allowing the velvet worm to feed at its leisure. The slime is propelled at speeds of up to 60 metres per second, making it one of the fastest biological projectiles known.
Spitting Cobra
Several cobra species can spit their venom at threats. They can accurately hit a target’s eyes from up to 3 metres away. The venom can cause severe pain and even blindness if not washed out quickly. These cobras have specially modified fangs with a front-facing hole, allowing for precise aim of their venom spray.
Termite Soldiers
Some termite species have soldier castes with enlarged heads full of toxic blue liquid. When the colony is threatened, these soldiers rupture their own heads, spraying the sticky, corrosive substance onto the attacker. This selfless act is known as autothysis and effectively sacrifices the individual to protect the colony.
Yellow Spotted Salamander
This salamander secretes a milky toxin from glands on its back and tail when threatened. The toxin contains tetrodotoxin, the same poison found in pufferfish. It’s potent enough to make most predators think twice about eating the salamander. The bright yellow spots on its body serve as a warning to potential predators about its toxic nature.
Assassin Bug
This insect uses its chemical weapons for hunting. It injects its prey with a toxin that liquefies their insides. The bug then sucks out the liquidised innards, leaving behind an empty husk. Some assassin bug species can even use this method to take down prey much larger than themselves, including small vertebrates.
Skunk
Perhaps the most famous acid-sprayer, skunks produce a pungent, oily spray from glands near their tails. They can accurately spray this foul-smelling liquid up to 3 metres. The smell can linger for days or even weeks. Skunks usually give fair warning before spraying, stamping their feet and raising their tails as a threat display.
Giant African Land Snail
When threatened, this snail can produce a frothy, acidic foam from glands in its foot. This foam contains an irritant that can cause a nasty rash in humans and deter many predators. These snails are also known for their incredible size, growing up to 20 cm in length and weighing up to 1 kg.
Leaf-cutter Ant
These ants don’t directly spray acid, but they farm fungi that do. The fungi produce antibiotics to keep the ants’ food source clean. Some of these antibiotics are forms of formic acid, which the ants use to disinfect their nests and defend against threats. The largest leaf-cutter ant colonies can contain up to 8 million individuals, all protected by this ingenious chemical defence system.
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Becky is a fervent wildlife enthusiast and pet care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. Her love for animals stretches beyond the domestic, embracing the wild tapestry of global fauna. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to OutlandishOwl through insightful articles, captivating wildlife information, and invaluable guidance on pet nutrition. Her work embodies a deep commitment to understanding the intricate lives of animals and a passion for educating others on sustaining natural habitats. Becky's hands-on conservation efforts and her knack for translating complex dietary science into practical pet feeding tips make her an indispensable voice for creatures great and small.
