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Oil Beetle

Meloe

Photo by Nomad Mike
Published on Project Noah
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41.454, -75.3827

Field Notes

Description:

They are known as "oil beetles" because they release oily droplets of hemolymph from their joints when disturbed; this contains cantharidin, a poisonous chemical causing blistering of the skin and painful swelling.

Notes:

found among the grass in a small clearing in the woods.

Reference Links:

Wikipedia

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National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Mission
The Bug Chicks Sofa Safari

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Photographed
PublishedNovember 12, 2013

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