Spray aiming in the bombardier beetle: photographic evidence.
Bombardier beetles, when physically assaulted, eject a hot quinonoid spray from the tip of the abdomen. Photographic evidence is presented demonstrating that the African bombardier beetle, Stenaptinus insignis, can aim its spray in virtually any direction. It can target its individual legs, and even the individual segments of its legs. Moreover, in aiming at a leg, it takes into account the postural orientation of that leg. The beetle is able even to target sites on its back. It is postulated that the ability to aim helps the beetle mainly in defense against ants.
Eisner
T
T
Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. te14@cornell.edu
Aneshansley
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D016227:Benzoquinones; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000502:physiology*; D010781:Photography; D012919:Social Behavior
D016227:Benzoquinones