HOW DOES A BOMBARDIER BEETLE SPRAY BOILING LIQUID AND STEAM ON PREDATORS WITHOUT BEING HURT?
The bombardier beetle has a defensive mechanism that activates when it is threatened. It wards off predators such as frogs, birds, and spiders by spraying hot, foul-smelling fluid and steam from its posterior. Measuring two centimeters (less than an inch) in length, it has a pair of glands at the tip of its abdomen that store hydrogen peroxide and an acidic compound which are connected by a system of valves to a reaction chamber filled with enzymes dissolved in water.
When threatened, the insect squeezes chemicals into a heavily walled reaction chamber—measuring 1/16 of an inch (approximately 1.5mm)—setting off a chemical reaction that produces a boiling liquid, turning the beetle's posterior into a dangerous weapon. It sprays toxic chemicals, water, and steam at 1000C (2120F) at the enemy and can change the direction, intensity and consistency of the spray depending on the circumstances. According to BBC News, the beetle’s unique defense mechanism has been used to develop new spray systems.
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