Minibeasts with chemical superpowers

Asp caterpillars, also known as puss caterpillars, look as fluffy as kittens but have venom-laden spines that deliver a more painful sting than a bee. They are just one of the insects and arachnids whose venom scientists are studying to discover new medicines. Then there is the bombardier beetle, a feat of nature from both a chemical and an engineering perspective. When under threat it produces a chemical explosion in its abdomen before expelling a jet of hot, noxious liquid at the attacker. Read the article to find out more about these fascinating creatures and how their chemical powers can be used for context in your chemistry classroom.