The false wireworm Eleodes hispilabris Say ejects a pungent spray from the elevated tip of the abdomen when disturbed. The ejected secretion consists of a mixture of 2-methyl-l,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-l,4-benzoquinone, and a hydrocarbon in which the quinones probably are dissolved. The quinoidal mixture consists of approximately two parts of methylquinone to three parts of ethylquinone. Experiments employing the imported fire ant Solenopsis sacvissima v. richteri Forel as a predator demonstrated that the spray of Eleodes was repellent and often would induce abnormal locomotor activity in the ants.