The bombardier beetle hunts for food at night, and during this time it is usually on its own. It hides or wanders the forest floor waiting for prey to come within range. An interesting fact about bombardier beetles is that during the daytime, however, they can be quite gregarious with […]
Bombardier Beetle
Bombardier beetles have evolved an ingenious defense mechanism that makes them one of the most unique species in the animal kingdom.
What Preys on the Bombardier Beetle?
Because of its daunting defensive abilities, the bombardier beetle has very few natural predators to worry about in the wild. Most potential predators are naturally wary of the bombardier beetle, sensing its danger. But those curious enough to try to make a meal out of the beetle quickly learn that […]
Are Bombardier Beetles a Threat to Humans?
Luckily, people and bombardier beetles don’t cross paths very often. Bombardier beetles live in the woods where there is the ground cover for them to hide. You won’t find any bombardier beetles in the city. If you do come across the bombardier beetle, it can spray you with an acidic […]
How Long Do Bombardier Beetles Live?
The complete life cycle of the bombardier beetle lasts about 1 to 2 years, which is similar in length to many other ground beetles. The adult phase only lasts a few weeks. The beetles emerge from the pupa in the early summer and die very shortly thereafter. They have just […]
How Did the Bombardier Beetle Evolve?
The bombardier beetle’s wondrous defense mechanism begs the question of how it evolved such a unique biological structure so different from other beetles, and in fact all other insects. Over the years, some believers in creationism have used the case of the bombardier beetle to try to prop up their […]
Do Bombardier Beetles Fly?
Bombardier beetles can’t fly. They have wings, but they are just vestiges from their evolutionary past. The wings were used for flight once upon a time in their evolutionary history, but not anymore. Bombardier beetles are graced with a pair of long blue wings which adorn and cover most of their body (see […]
How Did the Bombardier Beetle Get Its Name?
The bombardier beetle is named after its incredible defense mechanism, which allows it to “bombard” rivals and threats with a cannon fire of noxious, boiling liquid. The bombardier beetle is a carnivore, and rather than passively munching on leaves like many other ground beetles, it eats other insects for food. […]
How Do Bombardier Beetles Defend Themselves?
The bombardier beetle’s defense mechanism is is one of the most unique and studied in the animal kingdom. It is so incredible that even the origin of its name is derived from it. The bombardier beetle has two separate chambers a reservoirs located side-by-side in its thorax, or rear of […]
