Do bugs fart?

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…

Farting-bugs

 

Image credits: Bombardier Beetle: Cotinis; Beaded Lacewing: Cotinis; Termites: Scott Bauer

Remember to keep sending in your questions!

nao

Science blogger and writer; Owner of Dr. How's Science Wows; Mother of three junior scientists who have taught me that to be a great scientist you need to look at life through the eyes of a child!

9 thoughts on “Do bugs fart?

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  • October 5, 2016 at 11:14 pm
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    lol. I asked all of my counselors at camp this question! Thx!

    • October 6, 2016 at 8:51 am
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      🙂 Did they get it right Liz?

  • June 23, 2016 at 1:46 pm
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    This definitely sounds like something my daughter would ask. Now I know how to answer

    • June 23, 2016 at 2:18 pm
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      Glad you liked it Jeremy, sounds like your daughter would get on really well with my kids 🙂

    • June 17, 2016 at 9:45 pm
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      Thanks Sadhbh, I hope they like them … It is pretty amazing (once you get over the grossness)

  • June 16, 2016 at 10:26 pm
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    It’s like you live in my sons head…

    • June 16, 2016 at 10:29 pm
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      Haha Jill, I have just been hanging out with boys who like to let me know (constantly) what’s in their heads 🙂

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