Then, utilizing a sticky secretion on their exoskeletons, some species will pop the corpse up onto their back. Exactly how they do this is a mystery, according to Weirauch, given that they can’t reach their back any better than humans can lick their elbows. But in addition to the pile acting as camouflage from predators, Weirauch says: “What happens when a gecko tries to capture one of those, is it might actually end up with a mouth full of ant carcasses rather than a juicy assassin bug.”

The camouflage actually works the other way around as well, helping the assassin bug avoid detection by the critters it hunts. A species that goes after termites, for instance, will cover itself in their nest material to not only blend into the surroundings, but also to assume their scent.