2 facts
Explore the fascinating world of chemical defense! Discover how animals and plants use potent compounds to protect themselves from predators and pathogens.
When threatened, these beetles mix two separate chemicals, hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, in a special chamber. This triggers a violent exothermic reaction, producing a noxious, boiling-hot spray that can be accurately aimed and pulsed like a machine gun, deterring most attackers.
When threatened, these beetles mix two chemicals, hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, in a special combustion chamber in their abdomen. The resulting exothermic reaction produces a scalding, foul-smelling spray that deters predators with remarkable force.
