| Genus/Species: | Pheropsophus sp. |
| Common Name: | Bombardier Beetle |
| Family/Subfamily: | Carabidae |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Origin: | Bulolo/M.P. |
| Location: | BUC |
| Remarks: | Bombardier beetles possess a peculiar defence mechanism: when disturbed, the adults ignite a binary weapon made from hydrogen peroxide and hydroquinones in an abdominal combustion chamber. The resulting explosion launches the beetle out of the reach of the antagonist. Furthermore, the audible ‘pop’ of the explosion scares away the attacker. Lastly, the product of the chemical reaction, a p-benzoquinone, directed at the aggressor, acts as a tear gas, resulting in temporary blindness |
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© John W. Dobunaba & Michael F. Schneider, 1999