Bombardier Beetles

[neilmny]

I just read a comment about bombardier beetles. I've never heard of them before.
A beetle that can fire near boiling point liquid out it's butt
Have many bumped into these wierd critters in there travels?

[jackhinde]

seen them in my travels, but not in this country, although I believe they are out there

[Mervyn]

Neil
Last march I did the light to light walk south of Eden. It had been raining, So things were wet. The track is well used and wide. Under the scrubby bush next to the track was two large black 10cm beetles with red bottoms. As we got near they turned and squirted us. It sprayed about half a metre. That is how far we were from them. We wear boots, so no danger. I investigated when I got home. I know an insect guy from the ANU who told me about the bombardier beetle.

[Happy Pirate]

I can't believe how quickly the old lore has fallen so far into forgetfulness!
Bombardier Beetles used to once provide a well known, but now oft neglected, cold-weather bush tucker trick.
First you need a pot of warm but NOT boiling water. Sprinkle liberally with wattle seed and leave to soak for at least 1 hour.You'll need to cut some Marsdenia rostrata vine (or any other milky sap plant) into small pieces and toss into the pot.
When the brew is good and thick and milky throw in a handful of Bombadier beetles and stir them around until their abdomens are fully distended. Pick them out individually before they stop swimming and point their abdomen over your mug; run your finger gently from (their) head down to belly until they squirt out pure Aussie cappuccino into your mug from their butt.
May take up to a dozen beetles to fill a cup.

*sigh* I can't believe how the old ways are being forgotten!!

Steve (of the old ways)

Last edited by Happy Pirate on Tue 21 May, 2013 10:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[neilmny]

I don't know happy Pirate.....I can't help thinking an old way best forgotten........
Should we have this thread moved to Bush Tucker!

[Happy Pirate]

:shock: I don't know happy Pirate.....I can't help thinking an old way best forgotten........
Should we have this thread moved to Bush Tucker!

**sigh** youngsters these days with their new-fangled technologiezs think they know everything.

I suppose you've never laced your boots with earthworms either!?

[neilmny]

You assume too much

[Happy Pirate]

You assume too much

Aye youngsterr.
Butt have yer ever stalked an erfworm as 't hunted yer from unner yer feet?
Silent and innocent they are, 'til they catch ye unawares,
Aye, they make good lace-leather but catchin 'em, ay-yer thats somethin else. I've seen a full growen man pulled down a wurrum-hole by his boots 'cos a wurum caught 'im unawares.
Mebee we all gotta go to the wurms somday but sommurvus go qiker than others.

So wacher get? Blue or brown?
Blue are longer but der browns tan better and make better lace-leather.