THE BOMBARDIER BEETLE.

Taihape Daily Times, 3 January 1918, Page 5

THE BOMBARDIER BEETLE.

Bombing' and the use of noxious gases says P. H. Grimshaw in a "Science and Nature 1 ’ article in the Scotsman, are a prominent feature in the present; war. and, strange though it may seem one can find examples of beetles which make use of similar means of defence. The bomardler beetle, a native of Britian, owes its name to the fact that when pursued by an enemy which is usually a larger beetle of the same fimaly, it suddenly ejects from the hinder extremity of its body an acid and foully-smelling fluid, which explodes and turns into vapour immediately, forming tjlny bluish, puff of smoke, and emitting a report which can be quite distinctly heard. This fluid is so caustic that it stains and burns the. human skiu, and as tho little warrior can fire its bombs if nee-! cssary twenty times in succession, it is not difficult to imagine the effectiveness of this remark aid. ■ -.t. >6n when used against its normal enemy.