π¦Insects
Bombardier Beetles Spray Boiling Hot Chemical Liquid
Bombardier beetles defend themselves by spraying a boiling hot, noxious chemical concoction at predators with surprising accuracy.
About this fact
The bombardier beetle has a remarkable defense system. It stores two chemicals, hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, in separate reservoirs in its abdomen. When threatened, it mixes these chemicals with enzymes in a reaction chamber, causing an exothermic reaction that heats the mixture to near boiling point (100Β°C or 212Β°F). The beetle then sprays this irritating liquid at its attacker through steerable nozzles, often accompanied by a popping sound.