Meloe occultus

Pinto & Selander, 1970

blister beetle, oil beetle

Meloe occultus is a of in the Meloidae, described by Pinto & Selander in 1970. It belongs to the Meloe, commonly known as oil beetles, which are characterized by their shortened that leave much of the exposed. The species is found in North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the genus, it likely possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidins.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Meloe occultus: /ˈmɛloʊ iː ɒkˈkʌltəs/

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Distribution

North America, including British Columbia, Canada.

Human Relevance

Like other blister beetles, members of the Meloe contain cantharidins that can cause skin blistering if handled roughly or crushed. The genus is also of historical interest as the source of "Spanish fly," though this refers to the European Lytta vesicatoria rather than North American Meloe species.

Sources and further reading