Very few predators will eat this insect. Its most common predator is the grasshopper mouse. How can the mouse eat this insect, while other animals can't?
Answer:
This beetle is commonly known as a Clown Beetle (because it stands on its head when threatened) and as a Stink Beetle (because it sprays a noxious smelling liquid from its rear end as a defense.) Most predators leave it alone, but the Grasshopper Mouse has a very clever way of dealing with the defense. The mouse will grab the beetle, and quickly shove its rear end into the dirt, neutralizing the defense as the mouse eats the front half of the beetle.
Non-subscriber
