Oil beetle

genus of beetles

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

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