Black Oil-beetle
Meloe proscarabaeus
Adult black oil-beetles live in grasslands, field margins, and flower-rich open habitats. They browse on leaves and flowers, especially those of buttercups and other low-growing plants. When threatened, they can ooze cantharidin-rich fluid from their leg joints, a potent chemical defense that can blister skin.
- Type
- Venom
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Black Oil-beetle