Bombardier beetle
Bombardier Beetle
The Bombardier Beetle (Carabidae) is a ground beetle known for its defensive mechanism of spraying a hot noxious chemical spray from the tip of their abdomen with a popping sound.
Pronunciation
- /bɒmbəˈdɪər ˈbiːtəl/
Etymology
The term "Bombardier" comes from the French word for artilleryman, referring to the beetle's unique defensive mechanism. The term "beetle" comes from the Old English word "bitela", meaning "little biter".
Description
The Bombardier Beetle is a member of the Carabidae family, which includes over 500 species. They are typically small (1 cm long or less) and are found worldwide. The beetles are most commonly black or metallic in color, with elongated bodies.
Defensive Mechanism
The Bombardier Beetle is best known for its unique defensive mechanism. When threatened, the beetle mixes chemicals stored in two separate reservoirs in its abdomen to produce a hot, noxious spray. The spray is ejected with a popping sound, hence the name "Bombardier". This mechanism is an example of a chemical reaction used for defense.
Related Terms
- Carabidae: The family of beetles to which the Bombardier Beetle belongs.
- Chemical Defense: A type of defense mechanism used by various animals, including the Bombardier Beetle.
- Beetle: An order of insects, characterized by the hard pair of wings which cover the actual wings. The Bombardier Beetle is a member of this order.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bombardier beetle
- Wikipedia's article - Bombardier beetle
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