Blister Beetle (Female)

5648  This beetle was found on a trail close to Salmon Arm on Shuswap Lake, in southern BC. It appeared to be attempting to dig itself into the ground when first spotted.  After being disturbed it moved quickly searching for cover of some kind.  It was about one inch long, not including the antlers.  It was found in April.   Martin

This is a female blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae) in the genus Meloe. They sometimes are called oil beetles because of the oily fluid exuded from their leg joints when they are disturbed. This fluid contains a chemical (cantharidin) that can cause blisters on tender skin. The beetle likely was looking for a place to lay her eggs in the soil; their larvae are parasitoids on larvae of ground-nesting bees. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.