Larvae produce deadly toxin: leaf beetle

1 of 1 Bushman leaf beetle / Fritz Geller.. / License

Beetle larvae protect themselves from predators by producing a deadly toxin after feeding on Commiphora tree.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from biotic factors >
	Animals

Biomimetic Application Ideas

More effective and humane way of putting terminally ill animals to "sleep". More species specific pesticides.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"In Namibia the Commiphora tree is the host plant of the leaf beetle. When its larvae feed on the leaves, they produce a toxin not found in adults, which a Kalahari Desert bushman squeezes onto an arrow tip. The poison on a single arrow can fell an adult antelope." (Chadwick 1998:114)

About the inspiring organism

Chrysomelidae
Chrysomelidae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: More effective and humane way of putting terminally ill animals to "sleep". More species specific pesticides.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Animal hospitals, pest control

References

Chadwick, D. H. 1998. Planet of the Beetles: From humble ladybugs to brilliant scarabs, beetles both help and bedevil us. A third of the world's identified insects are beetles, and they are everywhere. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. 193: 100-119.

Larvae produce deadly toxin: leaf beetle

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