Bombardier Beetle vs Oregon Tiger Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bombardier Beetle | Oregon Tiger Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachinus crepitans | Cicindela oregona |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Cicindelidae |
| Size | 5-13 mm | 11-15 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America, Asia, Africa | Western North America from Alaska to California |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bombardier Beetle
Defends itself with a boiling-hot chemical spray ejected from its abdomen at over 100°C. The reaction involves mixing hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide.
Did You Know?
The bombardier beetle fires its chemical spray at 100°C in rapid pulses of about 70 per second, allowing its internal reaction chamber to avoid exploding.
Oregon Tiger Beetle
A variable-colored tiger beetle found in open sandy and gravelly habitats across western North America. Coloring ranges from greenish-bronze to dark brown.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most widespread tiger beetles in North America, with over a dozen recognized subspecies.