Llamas can spit at speeds exceeding 40 mph, using this powerful defense mechanism to deter threats and establish dominance.

Llamas (Lama glama) are members of the Camelidae family and rely on spitting as a primary defense and social communication tool. Their spit reaches speeds of approximately 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour), making it a formidable projectile. Unlike ordinary saliva, this "green spit" consists of partially digested food regurgitated from the rumen, the first chamber of their three-chambered stomach.The biological mechanism involves a sudden, forceful contraction of the abdominal muscles and esophagus that creates pressure, forcing the contents upward and out through the mouth with striking precision. Research from institutions such as Iowa State University confirms that llamas can accurately target objects 10 to 15 feet away. This behavior is most frequently observed during feeding disputes or when establishing herd hierarchy.The substance itself is highly acidic and produces a potent, lingering odor designed to repel natural predators like coyotes and mountain lions. In social contexts, a "warning spit" may consist only of air and minimal saliva. If the threat persists, the llama escalates to expelling the more aggressive stomach-acid mixture. This escalating system is remarkably effective at preventing physical altercations, allowing the animal to avoid injury without engaging in direct combat.