The ability to 'fire cannons' more than 500 tablets per second of ladybug 'gunner'

When agitated or threatened, this ladybug can fire over 500 cannons in a second.

Learn about the ladybug "gunner"

The ' gunner ' is a species of insect beetle, the scientific name is Carabidae. The reason they have such a nickname is because whenever they feel threatened or hunted, Carabidae will spit out a series of "cannons " - which are very toxic chemicals from the tip of the abdomen with an explosive sound. light. It is estimated that within a second, the number of fired "cannons" of ladybirds can reach 368 - 735 tablets.

More specifically, ladybirds "gunners" produce "cannons" right in their abdominal cavity glands . Specifically, they have two chambers containing liquid peroxide and liquid hydroquinones. These two chemicals will be released by the ladybug, mixed in a separate chamber, with a catalyst that includes enzymes such as peroxidise and catalase.

It is time that all blends and form p-benzoquinones "pellets" with heat up to 100 degrees Celsius and speeds close to 10m / s. Not only that, but this substance is also extremely toxic . If the person is attached to the "cannon" of the ladybug, the victim may be burned, while small insects such as ants, termites . will surely die if hit by this attack.

However, "gunner" ladybirds control very well their abilities and do not always use indiscriminate "cannons" . Between the reservoir chamber and the reaction chamber (reaction chamber) there is a separating valve. Only when necessary, can the ladybug open this valve to produce 'bullets' and then open the exit channel to ' fire '. This helps them limit the loss of capacity.

Mechanism of action of "cannon" inside the ladybug body "gunner"