Projectile use by non-human organisms

Although projectiles are commonly used in human conflict, projectile use by organisms other than humans is relatively rare. However, some organisms are capable of using various different types of projectiles for defense or predation.

Some invertebrates are able to spit or squirt out fluids and some vertebrates also use liquid projectiles. Solid projectiles are used by various species. Tarantulas, for example, may kick off barbed hairs and several mammals have been observed to throw objects such as sand, rocks, sticks and feces. Chameleons, frogs and some salamanders have tongues that act like tethered projectiles. The pistol shrimp may emit a powerful wave of bubbles. Some plants produce seed pods that explode when touched or may fire spore capsules.