Bombardier beetles are found all over the world on every continent except Antarctica.
In the US alone, there are more than 40 species of bombardier beetle.
They thrive in temperate locations and are often found in woodlands and grasslands.
There are hundreds of different species of bombardier beetles around the world and they all tend to be small, no larger than 2.5 cm (one inch) in length.
They tend to have blue wing coverings and a red head and limbs.
Populations of the beetles are very stable and they are not thought to be a conservation concern.
The beetles are carnivorous (even the larvae) and their diet consists predominantly of small insects.
They tend to hunt at night and when they are not looking for food, they tend to gather in small groups with others of their species.
Bombardier beetles have a unique ability to shoot a corrosive, boiling chemical spray at potential predators.
The beetles have two separate sections that contain chemicals that are harmless on their own, but when they react together have a devastating effect.
When threatened, the beetles can force the chemicals into the same chamber.
This starts a series of events that involves enzymes, hydrogen peroxide and chemicals called hydroquinones.
The hydrogen peroxide breaks down into boiling water and gas whilst the hydroquinones break down into benzoquinones – highly irritating chemicals that have been known to stain human skin and irritate the eyes.
When these come together, a large amount of energy is released and vaporises some of the liquid as well raising the temperature to around 100°C (212°F).
This huge increase in pressure forces the noxious, pungent chemical out of a small outlet at the tip of the abdomen.
Some African bombardier beetles can even rotate the tip up to 270 degrees to better aim the spray of the potent chemical.