Bombardier Beetle

These ground beetles have the unique ability to fire a burning vapor at predators. The corrosive liquid is a mixture of two substances kept in separate abdominal chambers until the moment they are released. In this way, the beetle can carry the chemicals without danger to itself. The mixture reaches temperatures of over 100 degrees centigrade and the resulting build up in pressure causes the vapor to be expelled with a violent popping sound.

artwork by Bradford P Ward

The term mercenary refers to a soldier who will fight for any person or country who hires him. This turns out to be a pretty accurate description of the bombardier beetles of Meadowfield. Their loyalty shifts around like a passing breeze. One thing is certain, however; as dangerous as they are, it's good to have them on your side. They have itchy trigger fingers and it doesn't take much to provoke them. No bug-fellow wants to face a full blast of their burning acidic fumes.

Read all about these pests in Heroes of Meadowfield and see just whose side they are on.

There are so many cool videos that show bombardier beetles in action. Here are three of the better ones.

Bombardier Beetle (tut-interesno.org) from by_roXe on Vimeo.

The Bombardier Beetle from Nature Documentary on Vimeo.

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