Definition Text

Defense Mechanism of Bombardier Beetle 

    

Beetles are a group of insects that form the order Coleoptera. One type of beetle is Bombardier beetle. Bombardier beetle are famous of their defense mechanism. When they are disturbed, they eject chemical spray from the tip of their abdomen which is composed of reaction between two chemical compounds, hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide, which are stored in two reservoirs in the beetles abdomen. 

Hydroquinone is an ingredient found in many skin-lightening products marketed to women for purposes of reducing age spots, melasma, freckles and other types of hyperpigmentation. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule that hydroquinone be considered "generally recognized as safe and effective," or GRASE. Depending on the concentration of hydroquinone in your skin lightener, you may get sufficient results; however, there are known side affects you should be aware of when using a hydroquinone-based bleaching cream. A common effect associated with hydroquinone is skin irritation. Drugs.com indicates that it should not be used on skin that is dry, chapped, sunburned or already irritated, nor should it be applied to an open wound. Irritation can be reduced by avoiding the use of harsh cleansing agents, such as soaps and shampoos, hair dye, permanent waves, cream depilatories, waxes made for hair removal and products that contain alcohol, lime, spices or other astringents. Avoid using medicated products unless instructed by a physician.

Hydrogen peroxide be both beneficial and harmful to skin. In dilute concentrations on open wounds, hydrogen peroxide can prevent infections. In contrast, on otherwise healthy skin, hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and in high concentrations it can cause blisters, redness and other skin damage. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to prevent infections in wounds. Many skin infections are caused by anaerobic bacteria. They cannot grow in the presence of oxygen. When a typical over-the-counter 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to a wound, oxygen is released. An enzyme called catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide, releasing oxygen and water. While the water cleans the wound, the oxygen kills the anaerobic bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide can bleach hair on the skin. Unlike sunlight and lemon juice, which work with UV light to bleach hair, peroxide is oxidizing bleach. It breaks the chemical bonds of the color-causing molecules in the hair, the chromophores. When the chemical bonds of the chromophores are broken, the molecules no longer have color.

So in conclusion, if you see a beetle that looks like a bombardier beetle, do not attempt to touch or go near it. Even though that it is tiny, it can cause a major effect in your skin if its spray touches your skin.