Bombardier Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Brachinus: /ˈbrækɪnəs/

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Summary

Brachinus is a genus of ground beetles known as bombardier beetles, characterized by their ability to eject a toxic gas from their abdomen. They show a significant diversity, especially in southern regions, and play an important role in their respective ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

5‒13 mm in length; dark elytra (blue, green, blackish) contrasting with an orange head and pronotum; some species are flightless.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive coloration of elytra and the pronounced orange head and pronotum. Some species are notably small in size.

Habitat

Typically found under loose bark, rocks, and boards; on the ground in open areas at night, usually associated with floodplains and edges of temporary ponds.

Distribution

Widespread in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions as well as the Near East and North Africa; much more diverse in southern regions; do not range north of 50N in the west and 45N in the east.

Diet

Larvae are parasitoids of aquatic beetle pupae and scavenge the body of their host after its death; adults have not been specifically documented for diet.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid singly in mud cells made on plants or rocks; larvae have reduced legs and pupate inside the host.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in mud cells on plants and rocks. Larvae develop within the bodies of aquatic beetle pupae.

Ecosystem Role

Adult bombardier beetles play a role in controlling pest populations and contribute to the decomposition process.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collection at night
• Using pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

• Drying specimens
• Freezing specimens immediately after capture

Evolution

Derived from Greek, the name Brachinus refers to the beetle's shortened elytra. The genus has a long taxonomic history dating back to at least 1801.

Misconceptions

The chemical defenses of bombardier beetles are often misunderstood; they are not dangerous to humans but serve as a defense against predators.

Tags

• Brachinus
• Bombardier Beetle
• Coleoptera
• Carabidae
• Insecta