As the beetle is immune to the effects of this liquid, it can also defend itself by targeting specific sites on its own body, including its back, when under attack by smaller swarming insects, such as ants.
Kuna paugujooksik ise on selle vedeliku suhtes immuunne, võib ta end sellega kaitsta ka niiviisi, et pritsib vedelikku mõningatele oma kehaosadele, kaasa arvatud selja peale, kui teda ründavad hulgakesi näiteks sellised väiksemad putukad nagu sipelgad.