{"id":41996,"date":"2024-09-13T10:52:03","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T08:52:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/2e3d96d5-d8d4-494a-b00f-7e83f5e5dc04"},"modified":"2024-09-13T11:27:26","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T09:27:26","slug":"terrifying-tiny-millipede-fires-menacing-velcro-like-bristles-from-its-butt-at-assailants","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/terrifying-tiny-millipede-fires-menacing-velcro-like-bristles-from-its-butt-at-assailants\/","title":{"rendered":"Terrifying tiny millipede fires menacing Velcro-like bristles from its butt at assailants"},"content":{"rendered":"

With its unique, Velcro-like bristles that cling to predators, the tiny Porcupine-Velcro Millipede (Polyxenus fasciculatus) is a master of self-defence in the insect world. <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Friday, 13 September 2024 at 08:52 AM<\/p>

\n\n

It may be smaller than a grain of rice, but the aptly-named porcupine-Velcro millipede Polyxenus fasciculatus is one tough cookie. <\/strong><\/p>

When assaulted, often by an ant<\/a> or spider, it turns tail but doesn’t run. Its rear end is equipped with two tufts of microscopic bristles, each shaped like a grappling hook. As the millipede pivots, it splays these weapons and swipes them against its assailant. Many of the bristles snag on the hair-like setae on the insect’s face and front legs, and are pulled free of the millipede as it flees.<\/p>