Sunday 14 September 2014

The Blister Beetle


Mylabris Quadripunctata the scientific name, belongs to the family Meloidae, and is commonly called the Blister Beetle,
 
 

The Blister beetle lives in grasslands, meadows, and cultivated fields, where it feeds on pollen.
 

It is usually 10-15 millimeters, of cylindrical shape, and soft bodied, with the thorax being narrower than the head.
 

It flies from flower to flower, like a bee, and has a defencive secretion of a blistering agent, hence the name Blister Beetle.
   

This toxic liquid, oozes from the articulations, principally from the femoral-tibilal joints,
 

The poisonous chemical, which causes the painful blistering to the skin is called CANTHARIDIN.
 
Cantharidin is used medically to remove warts,and was used historically also as a major ingredient in dried or powered form in so-called love potions.I have posted one photo of this beetle already, when I still didn't know what it was called.I went back to the same place the following day and saw many more beetles, but didn't want to show more without knowing more about them. My thanks goes to Bob Bushell for giving me the ID, and to all of you who tried to help. It is very much appreciated. Although a little late I am linking up with Eileen on her meme Saturday's Critters.Do call in to see critters from around the world.
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS

25 comments:

Michelle said...

Interesting! I don't think I have ever encountered one of these.

TexWisGirl said...

thanks for explaining the blister part of the name! and bob is a dear. :)

Bob Bushell said...

What a beautiful beetle, and they used them for getting rid of warts, they shouldn't do that.

Unknown said...

Very interesting and nice photos!

Hugs
JetteMajken

Rita Vaselli said...

Beautiful pictures, with so wonderful combination of yellow and red! The information is very interesting. I have my granddaughters here so I look at the computer much less than usual, but I can follow my friends even though I can not always comment !!! Good start to the week, dear Sonija.

Inspired By June said...

Very interesting! Great shots of this beetle, the coloring reminds of the ladybug. It's always fun to learn more about what we're photographing, isn't it? Have a great week!

eileeninmd said...

This beetle is new to me, it is colorful. Your photos are beautiful. Thank you for linking up. Enjoy your week!

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

I have celebrated the blister beetle before.

In fact, the Master Blister Beetle!

Your pics are sharper. Very nice!
~

Debbie said...

So interesting!! What a cute little critter!!

hmuxo said...

I have never seen this beetle before but its really beautiful! Excellent photos!

suusan jane said...

very interesting, very good shooots. love Sue

Bas. said...

hij ia wel heel mooi.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

A beautiful beetle indeed :-)

Unknown said...

Beautiful colours on this beetle.

Maria said...

These are just beautiful, love the different poses on flowers

EG CameraGirl said...

Excellent shots of this beetle!

A Colorful World said...

So interesting! How neat that the secretion has been used to remove warts...and as a love potion. Not even close to one another! :-) I wonder if the wart thing works.

Gail Dixon said...

Beautiful images! I've never seen one, but if I ran across it I'd think it was an odd-shaped ladybug.

Dział Przyrody MŚO said...

Great macro shots! Congratulations :-)
Best wishes from Poland

Ferlynx said...

Lo has captado maravillosamente, a mi siempre se me resiste, un saludo desde Salamanca (España).

orchid0324 said...

Oh, without the title I'd have taken the Blister Beetle as ladybug, too :-)
Such colorful combination with orange back and black spots. BEAUTIFUL captures,Sonija♡♡♡

Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Irene Alves said...

A amiga além das excelentes
fotografias dá-nos muita informação e isso é mtº. importante.
Aqui há beleza fotográfica e
conhecimento.
Bj.
Irene Alves

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The details and color are amazing in your photos! What an interesting bug...looks a little like a lady bug, doesn't it? Enjoy your week!

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Great macro.. Nice composition.. Congrats..

Helma said...

Beautiful colors and gorgeous color red on yellow:-)

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