Bombardier beetles are ground beetles (Carabidae) in the tribes Brachinini, Paussini, Ozaenini, or Metriini—more than 500 species altogether—which are most notable for the defense mechanism that gives them their name: when disturbed, they eject a hot noxious chemical spray from the tip of the abdomen with a popping sound.

Apr 30, 2015 · Bombardier beetles eject a liquid called benzoquinone, which they superheat and expel in an intense, pulsating jet. The explosive mechanism used by the beetle generates a spray that's much hotter than that of other insects that use …

With an audible pop, these beetles spray a concoction of boiling, irritating chemicals at predators that get too close. The beetles have plenty of ammo and can rapidly fire their chemicals over and over again.

Nov 27, 2024 · The bombardier beetle employs an advanced defensive mechanism by generating an explosive spray that exceeds the temperatures of sprays from other insects using similar chemical irritants. This spray is ejected at five times the speed, enhancing its effectiveness against predators.

Nov 9, 2023 · Bombardier beetles can rotate their abdomens 270° to precisely aim the explosive spray at predators. They eject pulses of spray in quick bursts, re-aiming between each one. This incredible defence mechanism is energy-intensive for the beetles.

Apr 30, 2015 · Researchers had been baffled by the half-inch beetles' ability to produce this noxious spray while avoiding any physical damage. But now that conundrum has been solved, thanks to research...

Bombardier beetles, when physically assaulted, eject a hot quinonoid spray from the tip of the abdomen. Photographic evidence is presented demonstrating that the African bombardier beetle, Stenaptinus insignis , can aim its spray in virtually any direction.

Dec 28, 2017 · The African bombardier beetle, Stenaptinus insignis, has been extensively studied to understand its remarkable defense system. When attacked by predators, mostly ants, the beetle unleashes bursts of its hot chemical spray accompanied by audible detonations.

May 12, 2015 · The boiling, superheated spray known as benzoquinone is created by combining two chemicals in a protective blast chamber located in the hindquarters of the beetle.

The bombardier beetle (Figure 1) exhibits a predator defence mechanism, by which it generates a powerful directional spray of hot, chemically noxious droplets from its rear end, to great effect upon attackers, such as ants, Spiders, frogs or birds.