Desert Stink Beetle

Desert Stink Beetles are a type of Darkling Beetle, and tend to walk with their heads down, as if they are looking for lost contact lenses. This results in their abdomen being lifted higher than the head and the moniker 'Headstand Beetle'. Many stand still if disturbed, but eventually raise their back end into the air in preparation for defense. They are capable of discharging a foul- smelling secretion from the tip of the abdomen toward a would-be attacker. This advantage is also seen in skunks, so this type of beetle is also known as a Skunk Beetle. A face-full of this disgusting chemical usually scares off predators.