EVERGLADES, FL — A local bullfrog, who thought it was about to enjoy an effortless meal, instead became the victim of a determined and chemically armed beetle that refused to go down without a fight.

The predatory amphibian, identified by researchers as an American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), reportedly gulped down a bombardier beetle without a second thought—only to immediately regret it. The beetle, known for its impressive chemical defenses, retaliated by unleashing a noxious, boiling-hot chemical spray inside the frog’s mouth, leading to an undignified and desperate expulsion of the meal. Witnesses report that the frog’s expression was one of pure existential horror as it spent several moments questioning every life choice that had led it to this moment.

“It was like the beetle refused to go out quietly,” said Dr. Maria Lenz, an entomologist observing the event. “One second, the frog is happy and victorious, the next, it’s violently ejecting its lunch, coughing, and looking genuinely offended that food had the audacity to fight back.”

Inspired by the beetle’s resilience, local woman Emily Vaughn expressed her sincere wish that her meals would exhibit the same tenacity when she absentmindedly devours them. “Honestly, if my takeout ever hit back with a toxic counterattack, maybe I’d finally stop ordering pizza three times a week,” said Vaughn, who admitted that self-control is not one of her strong suits.

“Imagine if a donut just squirted a stream of scalding hot caramel into my throat every time I ate one—it’d be life-changing,” she added.