Bombardier beetle

Ground-dwelling beetles with a global distribution include the Bombardier Beetles of the Order Coleoptera and Family Carabidae (excluding Antarctica). Only one species (Pheropsophus Verticalis of the family Branchinini), out of the around 500 recognized species, may be found in Australia. The four tribes of the family Carabidae include Brachinini, Pausini, Ozaenini, and Metriini have different morphological characteristics.

Carnivorous bombardier beetles spend most of their time active at night. Bombardier beetles live beneath and between rocks in an environment with ants that are often found around lakes or streams. Bombardier Beetles have accordingly evolved defense measures to ward off ants and other predators. The Bombardier Beetle may shock or kill prospective predators by rapidly ejecting a heated chemical fluid with a loud "popping" sound.

This predatory beetle eats a large proportion of ants. In contrast to other insects that lure ants into feeding on them, Bombardier beetles storm ant colonies and devour them. Any ant that gets in their way, these predators kick it with their legs. These beetles absorb some formic acid from the ants they consume, which they then employ to protect themselves from other predators. When threatened, the Bombardier beetle squirts acid into the assailant's eyes.

Bombardier beetles frequently deposit their eggs very next to a prospective food supply, such as a decomposing animal carcass. The larva, which develops into an egg after hatching, can use the food supply for several weeks.