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Oil Beetle

Meloe sp.

Photo by JenKnight
Published on Project Noah
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35.3848, -83.1253

Field Notes

Description:

This oil beetle is a type of blister beetle, so called because they excrete a caustic liquid when disturbed. They are flightless and have characteristically short elytra covering their abdomens.

Notes:

The beetle is feigning death in the second photo - you can tell it's faking because its legs are curled protectively under its body.

Reference Links:

Meloe

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Spotted for Missions

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Animals of North Carolina
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Beetles!
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Balsam Backyards
Photographed
PublishedApril 1, 2016

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