I dunno, the face exploding spitblob could develop into further progressions of more cunning visual displays.
Perhaps with a threat display similar to the frilled lizard, only with the not quite fully developed wings?
(Spread wings, hiss, exploding fog, grow larger, make more visually confusing fog that burns. “It Burns! It Burns!” Eventually leading to “Now I eat you”?)
Makes sense to me.
If the lizard could eat its attacker, the display would be unnecessary.
On the other hand, if a sophisticated display could be developed, it might turn into a mating ritual. That could make for a very interesting display. Consider bower birds and peacocks.
It could even become a mesmerizing display to confuse and ensnare prey. That would be an interesting development.