Life Continues to Fascinate

Bombardier beetles store hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide separately. When threatened, these chemicals are squirted through 2 tubes, where they are mixed along with small amounts of catalytic enzymes. At this point, the chemicals undergo a violent “exothermic” reaction. The mixed chemicals reach high temperatures and some of the bad smelling liquid becomes gas and is expelled with a loud pop! This defense is fatal to attacking insects and small animals and is painful to humans.
For more information about the bombardier beetle and other amazing insects check out For Love of
Insects by Dr. Thomas Eisner.