Very aptly named: these boisterous bugs can create a small explosion to ward off predators.
Picture Credit: Gail Hampshire
Amazing Facts About the Bombardier Beetle
- There are about 500 species of bombardier beetle.
- They can be found on every continent, except Antarctica.
- They are carnivorous insects, even in the larval stage.
Bombardier Beetle Predator Defence
- When alarmed or threatened, these beetles can set off a small chemical explosion which shoots out from their abdomen.
- This explosive spray can reach temperatures close to 100˚c!
- Their explosive defence mechanism can kill other insects and scare off larger predators.