Buprestid Beetle Detects Smoke from Forest Fires

Function

The Buprestid Beetle have a strong sense of smell through their antennae. They are able to detect forest fires by smelling certain substances contained in the smoke of burning trees.

Functional Classification

Resouce/Energy/Information Collection & Storage:
Location detection

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

S. Schmitz, et al., Insect antenna as a smoke detector. Nature, 398, 298-299

Technical Application

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

The beetle’s ability to detect smoke can be used to develop a forest fire warning system.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style