The Bombardier Beetle is found in all continents except Antarctica and Asia. It resides mostly in woodlands and undisturbed riverbanks and floodplains. In Australia, the beetle is most common on the Eastern Coast and the northern states, however is also rarely found in Northern Victoria and South Australia.
The species is nocturnal in its habits, hiding by day under stones and tree bark, while hunting at night. They are carnivorous, including the larva, feeding on other insects (CSIRO, 2014).
Bombardier Beetles lay eggs underground in decaying plant or animal matter away from predators. Before reaching maturity the newly hatched beetles go through several molts (National Wildlife Federation, 2014).
Image Credit:
The species is nocturnal in its habits, hiding by day under stones and tree bark, while hunting at night. They are carnivorous, including the larva, feeding on other insects (CSIRO, 2014).
Bombardier Beetles lay eggs underground in decaying plant or animal matter away from predators. Before reaching maturity the newly hatched beetles go through several molts (National Wildlife Federation, 2014).
Image Credit:
- Background: http://theconversation.com/taking-stock-of-the-opportunities-and-risks-with-landscape-carbon-25664
- Beetle in natural habitat: http://museum2.utep.edu/chih/theland/animals/invertebrates/insects/bombardier.htm
Alexander Kloppers
The University of Queensland, BIOL2205
The University of Queensland, BIOL2205