Beetle shoots boiling spray for defence

The bombardier beetle deters attackers, such as ants, frogs and lizards, by shooting hot, toxic chemicals from its backside. Scientists have learned the chemicals collect in a reservoir, where they are stored until needed. Then, valves open and the chemicals move to a reaction chamber where they mix with enzymes. This heats them to a boiling 100 C, converts them into a sometimes-deadly product, and the beetle then shoots the spray.