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Grabbing: Many beetles have claws at the end of each leg segment.

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When a bombardier beetle is attacked, it mixes two Chemicals stored in its abdomen to create a jet of hot poison. This sprays out of the beetle’s body with an explosive “POP!” With its abdomen tucked between its legs, a bombardier can blast at enemies coming from any direction.

Six helpful beetles

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(16 cm) The lengths of the three largest beetles—Titan, Goliath, and Hercules beetles

300 mph

(480 kph) The estimated speed of a tiger beetle if it were the same size as a human—it is the fastest land animal for its size

370,000

The number of known beetle species, though morę are found each year

. The Romans that believed cutting a scarab beetle in half and tying both parts to your arm cured fever.

Tiger beetles are used as pest control against the mole crickets that infest rice paddies (flelds).

ijrtBThe irritating liąuid ^ from blister beetles can burn off warts.

Skin beetles feed on dead flesh, skin, and hair. Taxidermists (people who preserve dead animals) and museums use them to clean skeletons.

Carrion and rove beetles help to solve crimes. Forensic scientists can tell a corpse’s time of death by the insects found in and around the body.

The ancient Chinese sometimes caught fireflies in see-through jars and used them as lanterns.

Scuttling: Ground beetles have long, slender legs for scampering and running.

Digging: Most types of dung beetle have broad legs covered in spines.

Swimming: Diving beetles have curved, paddlelike legs covered in bristles.

Hopping: Flea beetles have extra large hind legs built for leaping.

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Mating: The claws of małe flower beetles are adapted for clinging on to the female.

FAST FACTS

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Beetles 112|113