By Ben Aviss Reporter, BBC Nature
Adult earwigs use a chemical cloud to protect themselves from threats, scientists have discovered.
A team in Germany found secretions from the insects have antibacterial, antifungal and nematode killing properties.
Results also revealed a substance not previously known in insects.
The scientists suggest earwig secretions are multifunctional, serving both to deter predators and to stay safe from illness.
The findings are published in the Journal of Insect Physiology.
Earwigs are known to defend themselves from predators using large pincer-like structures on their abdomens called cerci and by emitting a defensive fluid.
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