1999/08/17 by Thomas Eisner, Daniel J. Aneshansley · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Mathematics · #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Forest Insect Ecology and Management #Insect and Pesticide Research #Orientation (vector space) #Biology #Anatomy #Geometry #Mathematics
paper · doi:10.1073/pnas.96.17.9705
openalex publication_date 1999/08/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
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.