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bombardier beetle |
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bombardier beetleBeetle that emits an evil-smelling fluid from its abdomen, as a defence mechanism. This fluid rapidly evaporates into a gas, which appears like a minute jet of smoke when in contact with air, and blinds the predator about to attack. ClassificationBombardier beetles in genus Brachinus, family Carabidae, order Coleoptera, class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda.How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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The bombardier beetle, for instance, has chambers in its abdomen to store two types of chemicals. When another creature yanks on one of its legs or antennae, a bombardier beetle contracts muscles in glands that store chemical reactants in separate compartments. |
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