THE BOMBARDIEE BEETLE, 23 



punctures, and there is a dull orange marls on the shoulder, 

 a line of the same hue running along the lateral margin. 

 None of the Tari are common, but they may be found nea the 

 sea-coast, hidden under stones in damp and marshy places. 



If the reader will refer to Plate I. Fig. 5, he will see repre- 

 sentea an event which frequently occurs in the insect world, 

 and wnich, in spite of its frequency, never fails to attract at- 

 tention and excite admiration. 



There is a prettily-made, though soberly-coloured, little 

 Beetle, called Brachinus explodens, the latter title being- 

 given to it in consequence of a most singular property which 

 it possesses, and which is almost unique in the animal kingdom. 

 It secretes a remarkable volatile fluid, which it has the power 

 of retaining or expelling at will. When alarmed, it throws 

 out a small quantity of this fluid, which immediately vola- 

 tilises with a slight explosion when it comes in contact with 

 the atmosphere, and looks very much like the fire of miniature 

 artillery. In consequence of this phenomenon, the insect which 

 produces it is popularly called the Bombardier Beetle. 



This curious property is used in defence. The Beetle, being 

 a small and comparatively feeble one, is liable to be attacked 

 by the larger Greodephaga, especially by those belonging to the 

 genus Carabus. The lesser insect could have no chance of 

 escape but for its curious weapons of defence. When the 

 Carabus chases the Brachinus, the latter waits until the former 

 has nearly reached its prey, and then Area a gun, so to speak, 

 in its face. The effect on the Carabus is ludicrous. The 

 insect seems quite scared at such a repulse, stops, backs away 

 from the tiny blue cloud, and allows its intended prey to reach 

 a place of safety. 



The illustration represents this scene. The pvn-suing Beetle, 

 Carabus monilis, is chasing the Bombardier, and has very 

 nearly captured it, but is stopped by a discharge of artillery, 

 under cover of which the Bombardier will make off. Mean- 

 while, the Carabus, exchanging its rapid advance for a retreat 

 nearly as rapid, throws its antennae backwards — a movement 

 which is analogous to that of a dog when it drops its tail be- 

 tween its legs — and, before it can recover itself, its intended 

 prey has made good its escape. 



