4 facts
When a butterfly lands on a potential food source, specialized chemoreceptors on its tarsi (feet) determine if the plant is suitable for laying eggs or if nectar is present. This allows them to 'taste' before feeding.
When threatened, these beetles mix two separate chemicals, hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, in a special chamber. This triggers a violent exothermic reaction, producing a noxious, boiling-hot spray that can be accurately aimed and pulsed like a machine gun, deterring most attackers.
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a parasitic fungus, infects ants and manipulates their behavior, forcing them to climb high plants. Once in position, the fungus bursts from the ant's head, releasing spores to infect more unsuspecting victims below, completing its gruesome life cycle.
They have chemoreceptors on their tarsi (feet) that allow them to 'taste' leaves to determine if they are suitable for laying eggs. This crucial adaptation ensures their larvae have an appropriate food source immediately upon hatching.