Oil beetle

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The oil beetle (or Meloe) is a blister beetle genus. They are called "oil beetles" because they release oily droplets of hemolymph when disturbed.[1]

Oil beetle from Wiener Prater

The liquid is a poisonous chemical that causes skin blistering and painful swelling.

Members of this genus do not have wings. They have shortened elytra.

References[change | change source]

  1. "Oil Beetles". BugGuide. Retrieved Feb 20, 2017.