This Millipede and Beetle Have a Toxic Relationship | Deep Look
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- This millipede uses deadly cyanide gas to keep predators at bay. But one beetle can tolerate the toxic defense and rides the millipede like a bucking bronco. Who will win this showdown in the forest?
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DEEP LOOK is a ultra-HD (4K) short video series created by KQED San Francisco and presented by PBS Digital Studios. See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.
---
Across Northern California, as the rainy season is ending and spring is taking hold, bees are buzzing, flowers are growing and hikers are hitting the trails.
But down at ground level, the pastoral scenery is concealing a surprising battle: relentless chemical warfare between bugs.
More than 200 species of millipedes emerge from their underground lairs every year during the winter and early spring months to forage for food and seek mates.
They have to fend off insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians looking for a tasty meal. But they have a secret weapon - toxic chemicals they shoot from special glands. One Bay Area species, Xystocheir dissecta, carries deadly cyanide and benzaldehyde.
If they’re feeling threatened, these millipedes produce an invisible, odorless hydrogen cyanide gas that they spray at predators, and which is virtually toxic to all organisms. One byproduct is benzaldehyde, which gives off the scent of bitter almonds, as an additional signal that they’re secreting poison.
The millipedes don’t poison themselves, however. They’ve developed an immunity.
The cyanide can kill nearly any other animal trying to dine on the millipedes. Except one.
New research has found that one tough beetle is the only known predator in the world that can survive a direct blast of cyanide gas and keep going.
Brandt Weary, an entomologist, studied these hardy beetles last year for his senior thesis at the University of California Berkeley.
The beetles, known as Promecognathus crassus, love to eat millipedes, even though they are only one-fifth the millipedes’ size.
Weary wanted to know more about how the beetles withstood the millipedes’ tough chemical defense. He found that while many other beetles will avoid the cyanide-spraying millipedes, Promecognathus seeks them out.
--- How many legs do millipedes have?
Most millipedes have between 34-400 legs, and the record is 750!
--- Why do these millipedes “glow” or fluoresce?
One theory behind millipede fluorescence is that it's a warning sign. Moonlight has some UV light, so maybe an animal with better night vision can see the fluorescence even if we can't.
--- Which millipedes produce cyanide?
Only millipedes in the order Polydesmida produce cyanide. It's the largest order of millipedes with about 3500 species.
---+ Read the entire article on KQED Science:
www.kqed.org/s...
---+ For more information:
Kip Will at UC Berkeley: ourenvironment...
Science on the SPOT: Glowing Millipedes of Alcatraz: ww2.kqed.org/q...
---+ Shoutout!
🏆Congratulations 🏆to these fans for suggesting our 5 favorite common names for Xystocheir dissecta, on our Community Tab: / @kqeddeeplook
#5 Unom Auhasard: Walking rave stick
#4 F E: "Lumilipede"
#3 Mr.salty: " hell no"
#2 Mystery Bomb Noel: "blue galaxy"
#1 Tinkili: "Glowy Feets McGee"
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#millipede #beetle #deeplook
There aren't enough feet in the world to walk away from some bad relationships, I guess.
New Message 🙁
.
Right 😂😂
Very depressing...
New Message , I see you everywhere!!!
Hi 😊
Millipede: develops a defensive chemical cocktail so it won't get eaten.
Beatle: develops a immunity and maneuver just to eat that millipede.
Millipede: :0
I'm this is random but....
Human: *puts on hazmat suit*
Millipede: Evolves cyanide spray
Beetle: Develops immunity and eats millipede
Millipede: Am I a joke to you?
pikachu :0
surprised pikachu
@@BKhuu-lf9xx millipede: am I a joke to you?
Beetle: nah, you are my dinner for tonight.
You know your defense mechanism is effective when the bombardier beetle takes off at the sight of you.
@Rob C Wrong beetle, dude.
Rob C lol
@Rob C did you?
@@ethanotoroculus1060 This confused me too. For a second I thought it was the same beetle species throughout, then I took a second look.
@Rob C Clown 🤡🤡🤡🤡
Besides the science, ya gotta appreciate the cinematography, music, and editing needed to make this level of quality stuff. Cheers!
And the titles haha
Yup, they make original sound on every video they make.
True
Buguk
Errrrrr%
Millipede: _I'm so happy that i have this defense system!_
Promecognathus crassus: _I'm boutta end this man's whole career_
Im boutta end this mans whole carrer
Wrong beetle
Coda 😂😂😂
*Im boutta end this man's whole life
*im boutta end this millipede’s whole career
Millipede: walking, looking around
Beetle: *YOU PICKED THE WRONG HOUSE FOOL*
the dumbbell i dropped above their heads:
Every time I watch this I regain my lost braincells
Same
oof
Same
Same
Then I'll spend it on watching memes
Millipede/Puffer fish: WE'RE TOXIC!
Beetle/Human: Challenge accepted.
Pufferfish are poisonous, not toxic
There's always that one guy... -_-
@Emily Moss No. I would recommend looking it up, no offense to you. There is a difference between venomous and poisonous, and pufferfish are indeed poisonous.
@@lightningstudios113 that doesn't make any sense
oo lala lions kill humans
Edit: polars are the kind that could kill humans too
The fact a beetle can survive cyanide is absolutely terrifying
What part of it is terrifying? It's just a beetle. Plus I'd reckon that you'd prefer to be immune as well.
It's not terrifying. It's cool. The Water bear can survive nuclear warfare yet easily dies to themselves and bacteria eating creatures like snails.
the fact a millipede can produce cyanide is absolutely terrifying
well i think this is beautiful, we humans can learn curing deadly diseases and other science related stuff from these creates
Beetles are really cool, actually. Nothing terrifying about them. Not a single species of beetle harms humans. At least not to my knowledge.
Nobody:
Beetle: *macaroni noises*
Imagine if this critter was wearing a bunch of little shoes
With light up Heelys
@@orlando9666 that would be sick af.
Still not cute
A cyanicde spraying critter with boots? Sounds good to m-
tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap (x1000)
"I'm angy."
"Well I'm angy to!"
"I hate you."
"I too, hate you."
"Hmph."
"Hmph."
@Yeedee Weeyee
Ur lucky u have friends.... 😢
😂😂😂 bruh
two tsunderes confronting each other
Beetle: -chokes him to prevent spraying hydrogen cyanide-
Millipede: 🎵 Choke me like you Hate me, but you Love me 🎵
Beetle: What?
Millipede: What?
1:24
This millipede violates the agreement on the Geneva convention regarding biological warfare and thus must be PURGED from existence.
Lol
Yeah, with all the chemical warfare going on in the animal kingdom, international criminals currently run amok through our ecosystems.
Taking science to the next level, with facts and logic
He violated geneva convention?
Send eet.
@Shara Animates Not at all. I used to catch bugs quite frequently (apologies to the beetles that died in my gladiatorial arena) and there's something mesmerising about the way they walk... I can't imagine trying to coordinate 100+ limbs.
"Baby, it wasn't you, baby it was me! Maybe our relationship isn't as perfect as it seems......"
Maybe that's what happens When a beetle meets a millipede
I dont know who is coming up with these video titles but i hope they get promoted
😁😁😁😁
What do you mean? The video title is terrible.
OEDODRAGON How do you figure? The video title is to the point and even includes a sort of funny pun. What’s not to love? 😂
But if they get promoted who will make the titles
@@sunken_lilies promotion can be just a pay raise too
Millipede: You should've gone for the-
Promecognathus crassus: ;)
*Cue Avengers Theme Song*
venipede vs karrablast
venipede has evolved into whirlipede
nope karrablast just landed a critical hit
whirlipede fainted
Pokemon reference. Nice.
@ X-scissor*
*Epic battle of the bugs :-)*
In some cases the millipede probably wins by digging the soft head spot into the soil.
I read that in the "epic rap battles of history" voice.
1:56 *Beetle goes outside for a walk*
Beetle: Such a nice night to go for a walk.
*Millipede walks by*
Beetle: F*** that!, I'm going home.
*Frantically runs back home*
That beetle actually is another example of chemical warfare
That beetle sprays an acidic boiling liquid from its back that both reeks and burns
In fact it’s the only known instance of an animal that produces chemical temperature based defenses
I’m obsessed with this channel!! I love learning new things and this is just what you guys offer. I just wish there was more frequent videos, but then again I can see the about of work that goes into these videos so I don’t think it’s possible to upload more frequently. Great job guys!! Keep ‘em coming!😝😝
Nobody will notice I changed the comment
I do the same thing. But I talk with myself because i'm lonely
HA! Shame on you, my crush is non existent
Epic
Same, and she's now my girlfriend, so keep on doing that, It really helps 😅😅
I do that. With my mom
That is some amazing Marco footage right there. The shot of the beetle digging into the shell of the millipede is just spectacular!
And this ladies and gentlemen is why I love beetles
I like them too! Sgt. Peppers is my favourite album
Species name?
Beetles are really spectacular animals.
Disgusting
@@Ecotasia There are more beetle species than any other group of animals with some estimates going as high as 2-3 million! Only mites and wasps rival them as most species-rich animals! They have adapted to feeding on almost everything from animals and plants to fungi and even microorganism, if something is edible I'm sure at least one species of beetles feeds on it! ;)
That thing made a bombardier beetle run! Those things have a badass defense system too: spraying corrosive fluid at enemies.
Love those puns! DEEPLOOK > any channel broadcasting the wild
*Brave Wilderness has joined the server*
Brave wilderness just saw DEEPLOOK and bailed.
I really like their concept for the show, read an interesting published paper and make a video on it, It is a very unique idea.
Clearly you never watch zefrank true facts video
Amirul Salihin
I see you are a man of culture
2:53 I had to listen to this 5 times to make sure I didn’t hear what I thought I heard
LITERALLY
I almost heard the same bucking thing.
3:45 when you realize that the beetle is covered in mites
Tq, just realize
Omg ew. Nature is such ew 😭
Dara Wulan
Ur also from nature
So ur disgusting too then
Dara Wulan your just adapted to cities and not the nature try to adventure in the nature some more at least lol
@@insomnialemon we all have mites, tiny ones on our skin and eyelashes lol
Everything is so well done with all these videos. The voiceover, the music, and the cinematography are always top notch.
I just love deep look according to me the make biology simple and fun for anyone anyage
This is the best PBS can do
Altough its okay to be smart is also cutting it close
This channel is so underrated. I've been watching for a while and each video is better than the last, keep up the great work!
Thanks!
Your welcome Deep look!
“It unleashes chemical warfare on its enemies”
Cool, a living, breathing warcrime!
This channel is a blessing. Thanks UA-cam for recommending it for me.
Whoa, the description is *overflowing* with info! More people need to be aware of that.
Tragoudistros.MPH oh wow! Cool, thanks for the heads up!
I am SO happy that insects are the size they are!
could you imagine being chased by either of these creatures, if they were 10ft/3m tall?!
I would definitely recommend your videos to my Biology teacher friends, thank you so much DL!
The beetle is ravaged by mites though :p Parasites for me are far scarier than predators!
2:48 YEE HAW
Watching stuff like this restores my hope in humanity.
I have to admit that this kind of infomation is very useful for science class and it's really detailed about it as well!
the back ground scores are amazing, the best short ones
deep looking knowledge - is indeed other level
Is that a pun in the title!?
MAD LAD
I just discovered this channel, and I was hesitant at first because usually macro shots of centipedes, crickets, millipedes, and so on usually give me the heebiejeebies. But you guys do something, I'm not sure what, that prevents that sensation. I have no idea why this is fine for me where other videos aren't, but it's honestly amazing.
God, my home is currently infested with millipedes (currently the yellow spotted one). When I didn't notice their position and accidentally crushed them, they exude a really strong smell of roasted almond and it isn't as nice as you would think. It stinks so bad and it lingers for 15 minutes after the initial contact.
cyanide is described as having a "bitter almond" smell. source.wustl.edu/2010/07/beware-the-smell-of-bitter-almonds/
Thanks Lauren and everyone else who had a hand in creating Deep Look I love this series I look forward to many many more!!!!
God of War: Insects Version
_Use your OP scissor-like jaws to penetrate your enemy's armored plates!_
Should give "Deadly Creatures" a chance. Closest thing we have for insects.
@@justinscott7546 An underrated gem about arachnids that use kungfu as they brawl through the desert undergrowth. Was one of my favorite wii games.
@@chitinskin9860
It really is a hidden gem. Would love a remake or another game.
2:01 LOL it's funny seeing this little beetle running away
millipedes - I can roll into a ball for defense!
this millipede - I SUFFOCATE MY ENEMIES AND SPRAY THEM WITH TOXINS!
That Beetle Which is immune to cyanide: JOKES ON YOU, IM INTO THAT SH@#
Those close-up segments makes me want to stop being a videographer. Such phenomenal work! I bet they had to spend six weeks in the dirt waiting for such attack.
Honestly, I found the adaption of the beetle to be very fascinating.
It cool to see all the little details of the bigs in the video and how bigger they look compared to when they zoomed out then you notice how small they really are
can you do beneficial nematodes next? would love to see how they act as predators since theyre so microscopic
Wow, I can't epress how much of awe I have for this video, especially the videographer, a good high quality video which recording at macro ... wow, If I was given a chance to work within the team, I will straight away take it. A job well done!!!
I notice the beetle has mites on it, visible in the footage near the end - I wonder if the cyanide gas kills off the mites, and also if this is an extra perk of dining on millipedes for the beetle?
The video quality is amazing which makes the millipede more fascinating
3:14 Looks like the beetle is riding the millipede
I love this channel!!!!!! You guys are the best on UA-cam. It’s cool to because I watched you guys in the early days and it’s awesome to see how the videos evolve .
Millipedes are so weird, but kinda cute(?)
Psychodelic I bought some golden millipede and they’re the most interesting animals I’ve ever kept, I definitely recommend you get some too. Super interesting species.
not cute ewww
I cringe when I saw a big brown millipede, always. (1000 legs) millipede..... (100 legs) centipede.
earthworm are more cute !
I also have this defense mechanism when I don’t take a shower for 4 days.
Two of my favorite inverts in one awesome video!
I hear ya
I just bought and am caring for some millis, so this one hurt a little bit! 🐛
Deep Look deserves every single subscriber they have gained over time, and MORE.
The videos are top quality and very informative and interesting.
You are the best channel on this website when it comes to info about animals in general.
Thanks so much!
"Most creatures want to be really far away."
Girls when I'm looking for friends.
Beetle has an inbuilt gas mask to fight chemical warfare ☺
*3 minutes ago
Me:What!?!??!!?
I'm terrified of bugs
This makes my skin crawl, yet I cant look away
Hi Lauren... So nice to finally heard your voice again
when your really hungry but cant stop watching deaplook videos...
Millipede has cyanide
That beetle is immune
Millipede: Wait, that’s illegal
Promecognathus crassus: I outsmarted your outsmarting!
2:15
Ant crossed with a snippy-snippy beetle
Keep going guys....u can tell how much freaking hardwork and effort these guys must be putting in their videos....#respect....let's get this channel to a million subs guys💖💖💖
Those beetles like flexing on other animals by hunting the millipede
I always have the highest grade in science because of channels like these! A reason to subscribe!
Any explanation , on how the beetles immune to cyanide or just resistance up to certain dosage? Does it not normally breath through its skins?
P/s : Maybe . for these beetles , its just Cyanide and Happiness after watching soviet womble and Cyanide .
You could probably find the reasearch paper this video is based on.
Soviet Wimbledon and cyanide lol
3:36 Anyone else notice all those mites on the beetle?
2:52 to be honest I thought she said f*cking 😂
TheStrong Bit I think she did
Lol me too
She said bucking.
When you use all your skill points to upgrade only one skill.
Idk why but they look so scary but at the same time adorable :
Millipede: *happily walking because it thought that it was safe*
Promecognathus crassus:
2:52 had to skip back once to make sure she didn’t say what I heard
1:56 lol "Nigerundayoo" intensive 🤣🤣
4:05 so...that empty millipede carcasses in the forest were the left over from the beetles.
A moment of silence for all past and future creatures evolving lethal poison but not a resistance against it at the same time
I love this magical planet
2:52 I'm sorry but this is the closest I'll ever get to the most pure commentator going rouge and it's my biggest weakness to making me laugh
Me :
UA-cam recommendations: hey look I found a relationship similar to you and your girlfriend
Wait. Are you the beetle, or the milipede?
Kari
Cursed
Great breakfast watching , cleared the table so fast. Its so quite now, i should do this more often. :)
I did not even know they were dating.
Great video by the way.
This channel is interesting,it doesnt bore me.Glad i subscribed a few years back.
Chipotle is ravaging my ozopore right now
HAHAHA
The first paragraph of the description is an accurate description of my last relationship.
My gas is so silent and deadly that i pass out for 5 min at a time whenever i let one rip.
Millipede: I just bought cyanide, no one will mess with me now.
Beetle: *Texan Rodeo Noises*
There is parasites on the Beetle who eat the millipede !! What is its name?
I think they're mites!
Yeah definitely mites
Those are mites. Most of the times we see mites in a beetle they aren't parasites, they are just "taking a ride" on the beetle (phoresis).
Where?
@@vin8523 at 3:48, you can see al the whitish little bumps looking creatures, those are mites
Awesome like always Depp Look! Thank You very much, hope you hit those million subs really soon!
how about cockroaches vs. that millipede..it says roaches can survive atomic blast..and also even survive to my slippers.
The cockroach can't survive a direct blast from the nuclear but it also can't survive and very high radiation area but it can survive in low of radiation zone that slightly harmful to us human and the cockroach definitely got smashed by my orbital shoe bombardment judging by it was completely turn into half mush
its something like 20/25x more resistant to nuclear energy than a typical human, meaning they could probably live in some pretty nasty areas for a while before actually succumbing to effects or even death.
@@Dockhead nice you do it better explaining than I did its true
Scorpions are actually more radiation resistant than roaches, easily surviving levels that would cause tissue damage in humans and roaches.
@@chitinskin9860 that explains why rad Scorpion in fallout so scary.
I used to own an african fire millipede. Loved that stinky lil guy!
early squad also that poor bug just got begooten
Millipede: HAH I have evolved myself to poison whoever wishes to eat me!
That one beetle: lol
Millipede: ARE YOU JOKING
The title sounds like something JK Rowling would say
I can barely stand spicy food and a freaking beetle goes and makes itself immune to airborne cyanide.
What a flex.