The diabolical ironclad beetle (Phloeodes diabolicus) can survive getting run over by a car thanks to an exoskeleton that acts like natural armor. Its wing covers are fused and interlocked like a jigsaw puzzle, with microscopic layers that twist and compress instead of crack.

It's called the "diabolical ironclad beetle" because of its near-indestructible shell and its maddening resistance to being crushed—earning it a name that reflects both its toughness and the frustration of would-be predators.

This incredible durability has caught the attention of engineers, who are studying its shell to design stronger joints for aircraft, protective gear, and more resilient building materials.