ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Osmeterium

An osmeterium is a special body part that some insects have to protect themselves from predators. It’s like a little tube that comes out of their head and can smell really bad! When the insect feels threatened or scared, it will stick out its osmeterium and release a bad smell to scare away predators.

Think of it like when you smell something stinky like a rotten egg or a skunk. Most animals can’t stand the smell, and it makes them back away. For insects with an osmeterium, they can use that stink as a defense mechanism to stay safe.

So basically, an osmeterium is like a secret weapon that some insects have to protect themselves by stinking up the place!