Spray aiming in the bombardier beetle: Photographic evidence

被引:63
作者
Eisner, T
Aneshansley, DJ
机构
[1] Cornell Univ, Neurobiol & Behav Sect, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
[2] Cornell Univ, Dept Agr & Biol Engn, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
关键词
chemical defense; quinones; Carabidae; Formicidae;
D O I
10.1073/pnas.96.17.9705
中图分类号
O [数理科学和化学]; P [天文学、地球科学]; Q [生物科学]; N [自然科学总论];
学科分类号
07 ; 0710 ; 09 ;
摘要
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.
引用
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页码:9705 / 9709
页数:5
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