They have the unique ability… to carry explosive bombs for defense, yet they themselves remain unharmed.
As you may know, the natural world is a ruthless place. Therefore, to survive, animals have equipped themselves with effective “weapons” for self-defense.
For instance, tigers, leopards, and lions have sharp teeth, claws, and speed. Elephants and rhinoceroses possess thick skin and extraordinary strength as their “backing”. Some species even have master-level camouflage abilities, like chameleons and mantises.
However, the species described below lacks these features. Instead, they carry bombs within their bodies and are ready to detonate whenever threatened. These are the bombardier beetles.
Bombardier beetle – the “terrorist” beetles of nature.
Bombardier beetles (family: Carabidae), also known as “bombing beetles,” can be found almost everywhere in the world, except for the polar regions. As mentioned earlier, they are called “bombing” because of their ability to produce powerful chemical bombs whenever their bodies are in danger.
The “bombs” are expelled through a tube located at the rear of these beetles.
It is estimated that the chemicals in their bombs can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius, which is enough to repel most enemies. Even humans would find it difficult to handle them without protective gear.
More importantly, bombardier beetles can choose when to “fire”, even adjusting their aim.
Bombardier beetles can choose when to “fire”.
Mechanically, the ability of bombardier beetles is quite fascinating. They truly “carry bombs” in the literal sense, as they possess two types of chemicals: hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, stored in two separate compartments in their abdomen.
Even when mixed, these two chemicals do not react due to the presence of an inhibitor. However, when necessary, bombardier beetles pump both of these substances into a third compartment, which contains a special enzyme and water, neutralizing the inhibitor.
When triggered, the two chemicals react violently and explode.
When the two chemicals are at the right “trigger point”, they react violently and explode. This explosion can kill rival beetles and force larger enemies to retreat, while the “bomb carrier” remains unharmed.
An unfortunate spider attacking a bombardier beetle.
But why does the bomb carrier not die?
The answer lies in evolution. In the past, bombardier beetles have baffled biologists regarding their evolutionary process, as simply using the two chemicals in their body could result in self-destruction, making it impossible for them to survive to this day.
If not careful, the bomb-carrying beetle could explode.
However, the answer lies in the “trigger” enzyme. Experts say that enzymes are biological materials that can evolve.
In the past, the explosions of bombardier beetles may not have been as powerful as they are today, but over time they have become stronger to counter continuously evolving enemies. The bodies of these beetles have also evolved to withstand such powerful explosions.
