Giant bombardier beetle

Giant bombardier beetles were a species of giant beetle.

Description
The bodies of bombardier beetles generally grew to be around in length.

Combat
As a defense mechanism, bombardier beetles were able to expel clouds of reddish acidic vapor from their abdomens that had a horrible smell. The sound of them expelling this acid could be deafening, potentially stunning nearby creatures. They could also emit a cloud of fire to protect themselves, a few times per day.

Ecology
Bombardier beetles were often solitary creatures.

Like most species of beetle, these creatures lacked good eyesight or hearing. Because of this, bombardiers primarily relied upon their tactile and taste senses. The latter was done by means of their antennae.

Diet
Unlike many beetles, bombardier beetles were solely carnivores, feeding mostly on carrion and gathering carcasses as places to lay their eggs.

Habitats
Bombardier beetles were typically found to dwell above-ground in forests  of warm climate regions.

In north Faerûn they were known to inhabit parts of Cormanthor's forests and the Dragon's Eye in the Spine of the World. In south Faerûn they could be found in the Forest of Amtar and the Lluirwood,

On the Chultan Peninsula, giant bombardiers were a common sight in the jungles of the nation of Samarach.

Beyond Toril, they could be found on the planet of Krynn.

Usage
The substances inside bombardier beetles could be harvested from dead specimens and used create small explosives. Their glands could be mixed with the blood of a black dragon in a broth to enchant its tooth.

History
In the late 15 century DR, the Chang Emporium shipped bombardier beetles alongside fire and tangler beetles on the caravel Dragonfly to the city of New Velar, intending to have them sold by Lin-Woh as guardian animals. However, once there an offloading accident occured, leading cages to crash to the ground and unleash many of the beetles trapped within them.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Ruins of Adventure • Dungeon #20, "The Ship of Night" • Dungeon #87, "The Raiders of Galath's Roost"
 * Comic Books
 * The Forbidden Sands of Anauroch (#2)
 * Video Games
 * Icewind Dale series (Icewind Dale • Icewind Dale II) • Neverwinter Nights series (Neverwinter Nights • Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir • Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford) • Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear
 * Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
 * The Prospect