Mealworm Sprayed liquid in my face . Should I be worried?

[professorjimjam]

I had a bit of a strange moment today—while feeding my puffers, one of the mealworms I was handling squirted a bit of liquid from its tail, and it accidentally got on my face. I washed it off right away, but I just wanted to check in and make sure there’s nothing I should be concerned about.


Appreciate your time as always!

 

[Toby_H]

Prepare to become the meal worm version of Spider Man.

 

[HUKIT]

Didn’t mealworm piss cause this transformation?

 

[Deadeye]

The first of many disgusting things that will squirt into your face in this hobby.
Not a worry - just gross.

 

[Conchonius]

Apparently the mealworm secretion is 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone and m-cresol, which are fairly strong irritants. I bet you'd feel the sting if it got in your eye, but if it's just the face it should be no issue.

Some other bugs have secretions that pack quite the punch, oil beetles and Spanish fly beetles can blister skin on contact for example.

 

[Midwater]

P professorjimjam Can you do it again, or get the mealworm to do it again, capture the whole event on video and post it here.

We would love to see it.