Yan Bingwu (Chinese, B. 1954) & Yang Wenqing (Chinese, B. 1951) "Bombardier Beetle" Signed lower left. Watercolor on Silk/Rice Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 33¢ Bombardier Beetle Classic Collection Series stamp issued October 1, 1999. Ground beetles are members of the Carabidae family -- one of the largest and most abundant beetle families. Species include Chlaenius, Calosoma, Scarites and Brachinus. Although many ground beetles are nocturnal and hide in dark places during the day, others are frequently seen among vegetation or flowers. Both adults and larvae of ground beetle species are beneficial to man, feeding on garden pests like gypsy moth larvae, cankerworms and cutworms. The Calosoma species are known as caterpillar hunters. These insects often climb trees or shrubs in search of prey. A distinctive characteristic of many ground beetles is the emission of an unpleasant odor when handled. When disturbed, Bombardier Beetles of the Brachinus species spray an explosive jet of scalding hot fluid from the tip of their abdomen. The pygidial glands produce two different chemical substances that are stored in separate chambers closed off by muscular valves. When attacked, the Bombardier Beetle releases these substances into a reaction chamber, creating the irritant spray. Even birds and reptiles quickly spit out the Bombardier Beetle as soon as the foul-smelling, corrosive, burning secretions contact their mouths. Image Size: 14.25 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 14.25 x 12.25 in. Unframed. (B16499)