Bombardier Beetle
About the Bombardier Beetle
Defends itself by mixing hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide in an internal chamber, producing a boiling chemical spray at 100 degrees C. The explosive reaction fires with an audible pop. They can aim the spray in any direction with remarkable precision. The two-chemical system is stored safely separately and only combined when needed. They can fire 20-30 times before depleting their reservoir. This defense mechanism has inspired engineering designs for spray technology and propulsion systems.
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