The diabolical ironclad beetle can survive getting run over by a car. Here’s how

Microstructures in the beetle’s armor make it nearly impossible to squish

diabolical ironclad beetle

The diabolical ironclad beetle looks sort of like a rock — and it’s almost as unbreakable. Thanks to the intricate connections between different parts of the insect’s exoskeleton, this hardy beetle can withstand getting run over by a car.

David Kisailus

The diabolical ironclad beetle is like a tiny tank on six legs.