Eisner T, Aneshansley D J
Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Aug 17;96(17):9705-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.96.17.9705.
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.
放屁虫在受到身体攻击时，会从腹部末端喷出一股炽热的醌类喷雾。本文提供的照片证据表明，非洲放屁虫（Stenaptinus insignis）几乎可以将喷雾喷向任何方向。它可以瞄准自己的每条腿，甚至腿部的各个节段。此外，在瞄准一条腿时，它会考虑到那条腿的姿势方向。这种甲虫甚至能够瞄准自己背部的部位。据推测，瞄准能力主要有助于这种甲虫抵御蚂蚁。
