Oil beetle

Description:

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.

Habitat:

Cumberland River trail, Ashland City

Notes:

I didn't realize this was some kind of blister beetle but luckily it didn't release any oil on me when I was handling it.