What is Bombardier beetle?
[[File:Brachinus spPCCA20060328-2821B.jpg|thumb|right|230px|''Brachinus'', a [[genus]] of bombardier beetle]] '''Bombardier beetles''' are [[ground beetle]]s in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Carabidae]]. There are more than 500 [[species]] which are notable for their defence mechanism. Most of them are found in [[rainforest]]s. When disturbed, the beetle squirts a [[poison]]ous [[chemical]] spray from special [[gland]]s in its [[abdomen]]. The ejection makes a popping sound. == Mechanism == A bombardier beetle produces and stores (separately) two chemical compounds which react with each other: hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide. When threatened, the beetle contracts muscles that force the two reactants through tubes into a mixing chamber containing water and [[enzyme]]s. The reactants undergo a violent [[chemical reaction]] which gives off heat. This raises the temperature to near the boiling point of water. The beetle swivels the tip of its abdomen around, and shoots a spray of boiling hot, poisonous chemicals at its attacker.<ref> {{cite book |title=Jungle animals: over 100 questions and answers to things you want to know |last=Ganeri |first=Anita |year=2000 |location=Dubai, U.A.E |isbn=0-75254-909-X }}</ref> == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Carabidae]]