Poem: ‘No animals died’

No animals died

Our research on toads and carabids
considered predator and prey.
Japanese toads and bombardier beetles
were ‘introduced’, let’s say.
The relationships were explosive –
but complied with current laws.
We intend to show you footage.
Please, hold your applause.

Our methodology? Each beetle placed
in tongue’s reach of a toad.
Each swallowed.
Chemical explosions soon showed
toads bulging, swelling,
changing shape –
till finally, through emesis,
they let their prey escape.

Our results? All beetles were ejected –
and survived. No toads died.
We timed explosions, measured vomit,
observed from every side.
We’ve now described how toxic creatures
can avoid digestion.
Ah yes sir, at the back there,
do you have a question?

Reference
Sugiura, S., Sato, T. 2018 Successful escape of bombardier beetles from predator digestive systems. Biol.Lett. 14: 20170647. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2017.0647

Feature Image: Japanese Common Toad by Yasunori Koide.