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Meloe tuccius
The blister beetle genus Meloe is a large, widespread group commonly referred to as oil beetles. 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. Members of this genus are typically flightless, without functional wings, and shortened elytra.
Mediterranean forest with scattered Holm oaks at Parque Nacional de Monfragüe
Spotted on Apr 2, 2012
Submitted on May 10, 2012
2 Comments
Gracias harsuame
Grandioso!!