Article may be outdated

This article is 56 days old. Some details may have changed since publication.

Times of India·3 min read·medium

Bombardier beetle carries its own chemical bomb against predators

T
TOI SCIENCE DESK
Bombardier beetle carries its own chemical bomb against predators
✦AI Summary

The bombardier beetle utilizes a unique chemical defense mechanism to protect itself from predators by spraying a hot, foul-smelling liquid. This reaction is created by mixing two separate internal glands to produce an explosive, accurate chemical burst.

Why it matters

Understanding the complex biological and chemical adaptations of insects provides insights into evolutionary survival strategies.

✦Dive DeeperCreate a free account to unlock

One can do anything when cornered by a threat, all in order to save themselves. Some scurry away in fear, others attack first. And then there are the bombardier beetles that go a step ahead and make a bomb! All insects are born with some kind of defence mechanism to protect themselves, it's just that these ones have a special weapon in their armour.Why? Well, beetles are different from other insects. While they can fly, they cannot do so instantly. Their wings are stored under wing covers and have to be released before they can take to the air. Sort of like Hulk having to shed his everyday clothes before transforming into the green giant everyone knows.

Continue reading on Headlinne

Create a free account to read the full article.

Read full article →
scienceenvironment
✦

Get smarter about the news

Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.

Create free account

Already have an account? Sign in