<P> This reaction is very exothermic , and the released energy raises the temperature of the mixture to near 100 ° C , vaporizing about a fifth of it . The resultant pressure buildup forces the entrance valves from the reactant storage chambers to close , thus protecting the beetle 's internal organs . The boiling , foul - smelling liquid is expelled violently through an outlet valve , with a loud popping sound . The beetles ' glands store enough hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide to allow the beetle to release its chemical spray roughly 20 times . In some cases this is enough to kill a predator . The main component of the beetle spray is 1 , 4 - Benzoquinone , which is particularly irritating to the eyes and the respiratory system . </P>
<P> This reaction is very exothermic , and the released energy raises the temperature of the mixture to near 100 ° C , vaporizing about a fifth of it . The resultant pressure buildup forces the entrance valves from the reactant storage chambers to close , thus protecting the beetle 's internal organs . The boiling , foul - smelling liquid is expelled violently through an outlet valve , with a loud popping sound . The beetles ' glands store enough hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide to allow the beetle to release its chemical spray roughly 20 times . In some cases this is enough to kill a predator . The main component of the beetle spray is 1 , 4 - Benzoquinone , which is particularly irritating to the eyes and the respiratory system . </P>
why is the bombardier beetle not harmed by the chemicals it stores
why is the bombardier beetle not harmed by the chemicals it stores
resultant pressure buildup forces the entrance valves from the reactant storage chambers to close
resultant pressure buildup forces the entrance valves from the reactant storage chambers to close