Do bugs Fart?
That was a recent question from my three children, shouted in through an open door as they rummaged around in the garden. The answer is… yes they do! Most insects have micro-organisms (bacteria etc) that live in their digestive systems (just as we do); they do no harm and they help the bug by breaking down (digesting) their food. When this food is broken down gases are released, such as nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrogen sulphide. These gases have to go somewhere, and that usually means they get passed through the gut and out the insects anus!
Some bugs do more than just pass a bit of wind; check out these three extreme farting bugs… the Bombardier beetle, the Beaded lacewing larvae and termites…
Image credits: Bombardier Beetle: Cotinis; Beaded Lacewing: Cotinis; Termites: Scott Bauer
Remember to keep sending in your questions!
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lol. I asked all of my counselors at camp this question! Thx!
This definitely sounds like something my daughter would ask. Now I know how to answer
Glad you liked it Jeremy, sounds like your daughter would get on really well with my kids
This is the best kind of gross! I can’t wait to out-gross my kids with these facts. They’ll love them!
Thanks Sadhbh, I hope they like them … It is pretty amazing (once you get over the grossness)
It’s like you live in my sons head…
Haha Jill, I have just been hanging out with boys who like to let me know (constantly) what’s in their heads