User:Nprosenthal14/Meloe americanus

American oil beetles gained their name because of their chemical defense. In their abdomen, they store and secrete cantharidin from their joints. This chemical can cause blistering and swelling on human skin. They primarily feed on grasses and starchy fruity bodies. ^[1]

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References:

https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=American-Oil-Beetle

^ "American Oil Beetle". www.insectidentification.org. Retrieved 2022-12-05.

[1] "American Oil Beetle". www.insectidentification.org. Retrieved 2022-12-05.

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