Blister Beetle

Description:

These little beetles can do a lot of damage! They get their name from their ability to release droplets of hemolymph from their joints. The oily substance contains cantharidin, a chemical which causes painful blistering and swelling.

Notes:

According to the book I used to identify this little fellow, these beetles are sometimes ingested with hay by horses and in turn can cause death to the animal (poor horse!). I guess this bug has its defense mechanisms figured out quite well. To think I had it crawling around on my hand...thankfully, it must not have thought I was very threatening.