The False Bombardier Beetle is a fascinating creature that belongs to the family Carabidae. These beetles are known for their bright colors and interesting defense mechanisms, which make them a popular subject of study among entomologists.
In their natural habitat, False Bombardier Beetles can be observed in various environments, such as woodlands, grasslands, and even relatively arid areas. The insects have some unique characteristics that help them cope with predators and various environmental challenges, making them highly adaptable and intriguing to study. Some key features of the False Bombardier Beetle include:
- Bright coloration
- Ejecting a hot chemical spray as a defense mechanism
- Active lifestyle, usually hunting at night
The defense mechanism exhibited by these beetles is quite remarkable. When threatened, they produce a noxious chemical mixture which is expelled as a spray from their abdomen. This spray is hot and carries an unpleasant odor, effectively discouraging predators from attacking them.
Curious what unconventional products the bug enthusiasts here at What’s That Bug LOVE?
While we do enjoy and use the products recommended above, they are affiliate links where ‘What’s That Bug’ may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps to financial support this website from hosting to expert entomologists and writers who identify your bug requests and create the content you love.
Understanding False Bombardier Beetles
Species and Characteristics
The False Bombardier Beetle belongs to the genus Galerita and is a member of the Carabidae family of ground beetles1. They are dark-colored, speedy, long-lived, and nocturnal carnivores2. Some notable characteristics of False Bombardier Beetles include:
- Paired abdominal glands that produce a defensive spray3
- Spray consisting mainly of concentrated formic acid, with some acetic acid and wetting agents2
Similarities and Differences with Bombardier Beetles
Both the False Bombardier Beetle and the Bombardier Beetle belong to the ground beetle family Carabidae, and share some similarities:
However, there are notable differences between the two species:
| Feature | False Bombardier Beetle | Bombardier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Spray | Formic acid, acetic acid2 | Hydroquinone, hydrogen peroxide4 |
| Temperature of the Spray | Room temperature | Boiling, irritating liquid4 |
| Spray Production Process | Steady release of chemicals3 | Internal chemical explosion in their abdomen4 |
Though they differ in their defense mechanisms, both beetles are adept at warding off predators due to their noxious sprays. Remember to admire these fascinating insects from a distance, as the chemical defenses of both the False Bombardier Beetle and the Bombardier Beetle are quite effective at deterring threats2.
Physical Features and Traits
Body Structure
The False Bombardier Beetle, or Galerita janus, has a few key body features:
- Abdomen: The abdomen contains the glands that produce their defensive chemicals.
- Antennae: They have relatively long antennae, which aid in sensing their environment.
- Legs: The beetle possesses six legs, typical of insects, providing mobility and agility.
Coloration and Markings
False Bombardier Beetles exhibit distinctive colors and markings:
- Black: The majority of their bodies are black, helping them blend into their surroundings.
- Pronotum: Their pronotum (the plate covering the thorax) is often reddish-brown.
- Elytra: The elytra (hardened wing covers) may display slight metallic reflections.
| False Bombardier Beetle | True Bombardier Beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Mostly black | Black and orange |
| Defensive Chemical | Formic acid | Hydroquinone & Hydrogen Peroxide |
| Lifespan | Several weeks | Several years |
As seen in the table, False Bombardier Beetles differ from their true counterparts in coloration, defensive chemical composition, and lifespan.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Eggs and Larvae
False Bombardier Beetles (Galerita bicolor) begin their life cycle as eggs laid by adult females. They typically lay eggs in moist areas, providing a suitable environment for the developing larvae. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge and start feeding.
Some key features of the larvae stage include:
- Smaller in size than adults
- Soft-bodied
- Predators of smaller insects
Pupa and Adult
In the next stage of development, False Bombardier Beetle larvae transform into pupae. They encase themselves in a protective cocoon where they undergo metamorphosis. Following this development, the adult beetles emerge with fully grown characteristics, such as a hard exoskeleton and fully functioning wings.
Adult False Bombardier Beetles are known for their defense mechanism, which involves releasing a mixture of formic acid and acetic acid when threatened 1. Their lifespan varies depending on their environment and species, but some can survive for several years under suitable conditions 2. They reproduce sexually, with males and females mating to pass on their genes 3.
Comparison of key characteristics between larvae and adult False Bombardier Beetles:
| Characteristics | Larvae | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Body | Soft | Hard exoskeleton |
| Feeding | Predators of smaller insects | Predators of various insects |
| Defense Mechanism | None | Release of formic and acetic acids |
Habitat and Diet
Finding Their Preferred Environment
The False Bombardier Beetle (Galerita sp.) is known to thrive in various environments. They can typically be found in:
- Backyards
- Woodlands
These beetles are most active during the night, as they search for food and shelter.
Food Preferences
The main components of a False Bombardier Beetle’s diet consist of:
- Insects
- Larvae
- Other small arthropods
These beetles may also fall prey to larger predators such as birds.
| Backyards | Woodlands | |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Mostly during night | Mostly during night |
| Diet | Insects, larvae | Insects, larvae |
| Predators | Birds and larger insects | Birds and larger insects |
With this information in mind, the False Bombardier Beetle seems to be quite adaptable when it comes to its habitat and diet preferences, able to survive and thrive in various environments.
Defense Mechanisms
Chemical Reactions
False Bombardier Beetles (genus Galerita) defend themselves by releasing a combination of formic acid and acetic acid. These chemicals are stored in the beetle’s abdomen and are produced through the reaction of hydroquinones and hydrogen peroxide. For comparison, true Bombardier Beetles (genus Brachinus) produce a different chemical mixture, which contains more potent and heated substances.
| Species | Primary Chemicals |
|---|---|
| False Bombardier | Formic and Acetic acid |
| True Bombardier | Benzoquinone |
Protecting Themselves Against Predators
- Formic acid: It’s the main defensive chemical in the beetle’s arsenal. It smells bad and deters both vertebrate and invertebrate predators. This acid takes about 5 days for the beetle to replace after one burst source.
- Acetic acid: It adds to the repellent effects of formic acid.
For example, when these beetles were exposed to Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), naïve, hand-reared quail attacked live beetles, indicating the absence of an innate aversion to them source. However, the aversive, irritating chemicals secreted by the beetles likely serve to deter future predation attempts.
In conclusion, the defense mechanisms of False Bombardier Beetles involve a combination of chemical reactions producing strong-smelling and irritating acids, mainly formic and acetic acids. These substances protect the beetles by repelling predators and discouraging future attacks.
Interaction with Humans
Are They Dangerous?
The False Bombardier Beetle (Galerita janus) is not considered dangerous to humans. Their primary defense mechanism consists of spraying concentrated formic acid (around 80%) along with some acetic acid. This ensures a safe distance from potential predators but does not pose a significant risk to people.
Prevention and Control
Although not dangerous, it’s understandable that you might not want these beetles in your living spaces, especially in areas like your basement. To prevent them from entering your home, follow these tips:
- Seal any cracks in exterior walls
- Keep windows and doors well-fitted
- Clean up debris in your yard
In case you find them indoors, you can take the following steps to get rid of them:
- Use insecticides specifically designed for beetles
- Regularly clean your basement to reduce any potential hiding spots
- Keep in mind that their activity usually increases during the spring and fall seasons
It’s essential to use accurate information to identify these beetles correctly, as they are often mistaken for cockroaches. A picture of the False Bombardier Beetle can be found on bugguide.net. They typically have a length of about 1.0 to 1.8 inches.
| Feature | Cockroach | False Bombardier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 0.5 – 2 inches | 1.0 – 1.8 inches |
| Legs | Six legs | Six legs |
| Body structure | Flat, oval-shaped | Elongated |
| Primary defense | Fast running | Formic acid spray |
To sum it up:
- False Bombardier Beetles are not dangerous to humans
- They use a formic acid spray as a defense mechanism
- Regularly cleaning your home and properly sealing it can help prevent and control their presence
Remember to treat these creatures with care and avoid prolonged exposure to their defensive spray as it can cause irritation.
Bug Control Recommendation Tool
Footnotes
41 Comments. Leave new
I would REALLY like to hear about the answers. I have sores EXACTLY like these on my fingers only. I don’t know if it’s something else, but it only happens in summer.
I just want to note that I looked up this bug after finding it in my bed. Fortunately, I captured the bug using a ziplock bag. I read after catching it that it could produce a chemical that can cause irritation. I’m glad I thought to use a different method than I usually do.
we found 2 of these in our yard on the 1st of may. we live in alabama.
Thanks for your report, but we love getting images sent here: https://www.whatsthatbug.com/ask-whats-that-bug/
I found one in my house in Virginia on May 5, 2014. Never seen one before.
I found one at work yesterday in Lee’s Summit MO. I have also never seen one of these before.
I found one false bombardier inside my house one evening. Located in south central Iowa.
These beetles show up in my bathroom every spring. They come in through a break in the baseboard. I rather like them and look forward to their yearly arrival.
I find at least one False Bombardier Beetle in the house a day. They look creepy and are rather annoying. Besides keeping a possible light off at night where they might be sneaking in at, what else can I do to keep them outside?
Seal the breach in your property, beginning with gaps in windows and doors.
Just found one of these bugs in my bed and laid my arm down on it and it felt like I got a shot and it stung and now it’s just sore around the area , it was very hard to kill and even after cutting the head off it still acted like it was still alive , is this common and can I expect any bad consequences from the bite ?
To the best of our knowledge, they are not dangerous.
I litterally just found three in less than ten minutes in Hooper Nebraska. Are they harmful I have a small dog who eats everything.
Though they might not taste too good, we don’t think eating a Bombardier Beetle will have a negative effect on your dog.
I found one yesterday in the bathroom at work in Maryville,TN.
I keep finding them in my house. How can I get rid of them?? I’ve found 12 in the past 2 weeks. I’ve lived here for 3 1/2 years and I never seen one before. I live in Maryland.
Just found one in Petersburg Va
I just found one in my living room in WV. I didn’t know what it was. Research led me to your site.
i have this weird bug that looks similar to the picture only that theres some in my house and they head is more thin and long what is it?is it a giraffe weevil?is it a bombardier beetle?please help because its in australia!!!!!
and im really scared please help me out!
yeah i found something similar to this bug but only that the head was longer and thinner,does that count as the same this?if not can i take a picture?and how do i send the picture?[because im only young]i keep finding them around the house i want to know if its poisonous or not?and again is it different if it looks different?please answer all questions because i am very scared right now!
You may send images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site. PLease put False Bombardier Beetle in the subject line.
My son as well got bit by one of these beetles as well on his neck and his neck got swollen and felt like it was burning and hot. No sign of even a bite until the next day! Very strange! Had to take him in to dr. and they gave him an antibiotic shot and prednisone and cream and it helped a bunch! His neck also after the swelling and such was gone revealed a large bite mark. This bug is most definitely the one! Maybe like anything else in life some are affected negatively from this beetle while others are not, kind of like bees! I don’t know but i feel more needs to be looked into about these buggers! P.S. we live in northwestern illinois near iowa
why is this a false bomabrdier beetle ? have you cut the beetle and looked for its combustion chambers ?
I literally just found one on my carpet in the living room I live in the water and have a lot of moisture and trees I live in Baltimore Maryland have seen a lot of bugs !!! NOT THIS ONE …March 27 th 2018
Just found one crawling on my arm here in East Central Indiana. They are hard to squash.
I have several in my converted basement home in Kansas, but their legs are black. Is it the same bug or different but related? (How do I upload a picture?) Thanks.
I found one today and I am planning to release it into my vegetable garden in hopes that it will eat any destructive pests there.
I also have recently found the Bombardier in my home. That I’ve lived in 6 years and never seen before. Yes it bites and yes after cutting off the head it was still alive 3 hours later. I have one in a Ziploc bag and am taking it to the Health Department Monday. I’m very worried over these beetles.
Let me just start by saying yes, I am one of those people with an irrational phobia of bugs! My first encounter was a few days ago, I woke up in the middle of the night to one of these crawling up my neck into my hair(literal worst nightmare). Then there was one just wondering around in my bathroom, then another today. Do they normally bother humans this much! I can’t even find where they are getting in the house. So besides calling an exterminator I’m not sure what else I can do.
I keep finding them in my laundry room, kichen and bathroom over the last several weeks. I had never noticed them before now. I live in rural North Mississippi
Yes I have found one in my house and I believe it bit my wife.
I keep finding them in my basement (finished walkout) but there are no lights on EXCEPT for my husband’s grow lights in the unfinished part of the basement. Could that somehow be attracting them?
I find one or two per day.
Many insects are attracted to lights.
Got this bite a week ago. It’s filled with clear liquid.Should I be concerned? I live in Sacramento,CA Seems to want to hang around.
We do not provide medical advice. If your symptoms do not subside, we recommend you seek professional attention.
one crawled in my face while i was sleeping just now ? drowned it in rubbing alcohol.
We from Naples Florida found us one right here in the living room I wanted to make sure it wasn’t poisonous
Found this critter in MY BED! It crawled into my son’s shirt. He thought it was a cockroach until we captured him to see what it was set it free outside. I live in Moultrie, Georgia and I have seen many bugs in my life, but never one of these.
I saw this kind of bug running quickly across my carpet. I thought it was a giant ant or a wasp. My husband zapped it with the bug zapper because initially it appeared to be wingless. The shock of the zap triggered one of the wings. Wish I could share a photo of it. Alas, poor buglet…
Just had one in Defiance, Ohio.