 Brachinus sp. (Bombardier Beetle). | Bombardier beetles have developed a chemical defense mechanism against predators. They can eject a foul-smelling, toxic gas from their abdomen. The gas is composed of hydrogen peroxide, hydroquinone, and catalytic enzymes. The ejection creates a loud popping sound. The larvae of the bombardier beetle are parasitoids of aquatic beetle pupae and scavenge body of host after its death
bug guide (this photo): http://bugguide.net/node/view/1058560 wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_beetle |