From skunks and possums,to a frog with the powers of Wolverine; Here are 17 Amazing Animal Defense Mechanisms!\r
\r
\r
Subscribe to Epic Wildlife \r
\r
Lets Connect\r
-- \r
-- \r
-- \r
-- \r
\r
Skunks\r
Along with possums, these critters likely have the most familiar defense mechanism on the list … one which many of us have had the misfortune to encounter! They belong to the weasel family, and are known on sight by their familiar black and white colors … which ually serves as a warning to would-be predators. All weasels can spray musk, but skunks have the strongest odor … the overpowering stink can be smelled for miles downwind! They can accurately aim the spray up to 10 feet, and its potent enough to discourage bears, and even cause temporary blindness. Its one reason why skunks are rarely preyed upon. \r
\r
Bombardier Beetle\r
This insect has become somewhat notorious for its aggressive means of self-defense. The beetle has the ability to shoot a scalding, stinking fluid from its posterior … the mere sight of which would likely deter a predator. Its stomach is a type of reion chamber where chemicals are mixed to create the foul-smelling spray, then released at temperatures of around 100 degrees Celsius. The spray can be ejected with pinpoint accuracy, and its rapid-fire capability is reminiscent of a machine gun … When expelled, the fluid is hot enough to produce a type of ‘gun smoke.\r
\r
\r
Flying Fish \r
Although ‘Flying Fish sounds kind of like an oxymoron, these animals are found in oceans all over the world. Theyre known to make self-propelled leaps from the water into the air … whereupon they expand fins that resemble wings! The long fins enable them to glide for long distances above the water, usually maintaining a height of around 20 feet.… theyve been known to cover up to 1,300 feet while traveling at speeds over 40 mph. Experts say its a natural ability these fish use to escape predators.\r
\r
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar\r
Before it turns into a large moth, the 3-inch-long caterpillar defends itself by assuming a posture that makes it look like a snake with four large patches that appear like eyes. Predators like birds are usually hesitant to attack while the insect maintains its reptilian look. Did you know, the Elephant Hawk Moth takes its name from the shape of its caterpillar? The shape resembles an elephants trunk!\r
\r
Iberian Ribbed Newt\r
Not unlike the Hairy Frog which well get to shortly, this amphibian found in Morocco has a defense mechanism that involves a bit of self-mutilation. When threatened, it will push its ribs through the sides of its body. As the bones pierce the skin, the animal produces a toxin that secretes through the newly opened pores. This serves to inject stinging toxins into the mouth of a predator. Thanks to the newts superior immune system, the pierced skin quickly heals with no infection or scar tissue developing. \r
\r
Exploding Ants & Termites\r
Carpenter ants are found in many forested locations throughout the world. But did you know there are several species in Southeast Asia that that are known to literally explode? The insects have glands filled with poison inside their bodies. If threatened, they can contr their abdomen and rupture their body … causing poison to explode from their head and cover their attacker with the toxic, glue-like substance which immobilizes them. Some species of termites have a similar strategy … they have pouches into which they secrete toxic blue crystals which re to their enemys saliva. When the attacker strikes, the pouches explode, killing them. For both insects, their lethal defense strategies only work one time … and experts say the behavior is a type of self-sacrifice for the greater good.\r
\r
Hairy Frog\r
The name is a but misleading … because the hairy frog isnt ually hairy at all. The name is due to thin strands of skin that develop on the bodies of males during breeding season … they resemble hair and are thought to help the creature better absorb oxygen. But when threatened, the frogs can break the bones in their toes and push them through the skin … creating retrable claws. Although experts are unsure how the talons ually do retr, its thought they later passively withdraw into the toe pads. The claws can be so sharp that hunters in Central Africa use long spears while capturing the frogs to avoid injury. Because the bizarre defense mechanism resembles the abilities of a charer in the X-men, its sometimes called the Wolverine Frog!
\r
\r
Subscribe to Epic Wildlife \r
\r
Lets Connect\r
-- \r
-- \r
-- \r
-- \r
\r
Skunks\r
Along with possums, these critters likely have the most familiar defense mechanism on the list … one which many of us have had the misfortune to encounter! They belong to the weasel family, and are known on sight by their familiar black and white colors … which ually serves as a warning to would-be predators. All weasels can spray musk, but skunks have the strongest odor … the overpowering stink can be smelled for miles downwind! They can accurately aim the spray up to 10 feet, and its potent enough to discourage bears, and even cause temporary blindness. Its one reason why skunks are rarely preyed upon. \r
\r
Bombardier Beetle\r
This insect has become somewhat notorious for its aggressive means of self-defense. The beetle has the ability to shoot a scalding, stinking fluid from its posterior … the mere sight of which would likely deter a predator. Its stomach is a type of reion chamber where chemicals are mixed to create the foul-smelling spray, then released at temperatures of around 100 degrees Celsius. The spray can be ejected with pinpoint accuracy, and its rapid-fire capability is reminiscent of a machine gun … When expelled, the fluid is hot enough to produce a type of ‘gun smoke.\r
\r
\r
Flying Fish \r
Although ‘Flying Fish sounds kind of like an oxymoron, these animals are found in oceans all over the world. Theyre known to make self-propelled leaps from the water into the air … whereupon they expand fins that resemble wings! The long fins enable them to glide for long distances above the water, usually maintaining a height of around 20 feet.… theyve been known to cover up to 1,300 feet while traveling at speeds over 40 mph. Experts say its a natural ability these fish use to escape predators.\r
\r
Elephant Hawk Moth Caterpillar\r
Before it turns into a large moth, the 3-inch-long caterpillar defends itself by assuming a posture that makes it look like a snake with four large patches that appear like eyes. Predators like birds are usually hesitant to attack while the insect maintains its reptilian look. Did you know, the Elephant Hawk Moth takes its name from the shape of its caterpillar? The shape resembles an elephants trunk!\r
\r
Iberian Ribbed Newt\r
Not unlike the Hairy Frog which well get to shortly, this amphibian found in Morocco has a defense mechanism that involves a bit of self-mutilation. When threatened, it will push its ribs through the sides of its body. As the bones pierce the skin, the animal produces a toxin that secretes through the newly opened pores. This serves to inject stinging toxins into the mouth of a predator. Thanks to the newts superior immune system, the pierced skin quickly heals with no infection or scar tissue developing. \r
\r
Exploding Ants & Termites\r
Carpenter ants are found in many forested locations throughout the world. But did you know there are several species in Southeast Asia that that are known to literally explode? The insects have glands filled with poison inside their bodies. If threatened, they can contr their abdomen and rupture their body … causing poison to explode from their head and cover their attacker with the toxic, glue-like substance which immobilizes them. Some species of termites have a similar strategy … they have pouches into which they secrete toxic blue crystals which re to their enemys saliva. When the attacker strikes, the pouches explode, killing them. For both insects, their lethal defense strategies only work one time … and experts say the behavior is a type of self-sacrifice for the greater good.\r
\r
Hairy Frog\r
The name is a but misleading … because the hairy frog isnt ually hairy at all. The name is due to thin strands of skin that develop on the bodies of males during breeding season … they resemble hair and are thought to help the creature better absorb oxygen. But when threatened, the frogs can break the bones in their toes and push them through the skin … creating retrable claws. Although experts are unsure how the talons ually do retr, its thought they later passively withdraw into the toe pads. The claws can be so sharp that hunters in Central Africa use long spears while capturing the frogs to avoid injury. Because the bizarre defense mechanism resembles the abilities of a charer in the X-men, its sometimes called the Wolverine Frog!
Category
📺
TV