π¦Insects
Ladybugs 'Bleed' from Their Knees as a Defense Mechanism
When threatened, ladybugs secrete a foul-smelling, bitter yellow fluid from their leg joints, a process called reflex bleeding, to deter predators.
About this fact
This defense mechanism, known as reflex bleeding or autohemorrhaging, involves releasing hemolymph (insect blood) mixed with toxic alkaloids. The bright colors of ladybugs also serve as a warning (aposematism) to predators that they are unpalatable. The yellow fluid is particularly effective against birds and other insectivorous animals.