The oil beetles belong to the family of blister beetles. They are known for secreting venomous oils and utilizing bees to raise their larva.
Size: 0.28-1.2 in (0.7-3 cm)
Color: Most are varying shades of black, with some showing violet-blue coloration
Other Characteristic Features: If disturbed, these beetles release oily droplets of their inner fluids called hemolymph from their joints. As they are flightless, their elytra are also shorter than most beetles.
The larvae go through an interesting development cycle during this stage. The beetle larva attaches itself to a male bee in its first instar. When this male bee mates with a female bee, the larva transfers itself to the female. It will then feed on the nourishment meant for the bee larva, sometimes consuming the larva itself.
Metamorphosis of the larva into a pupa takes place incol3 the beehive.
Females lay around 1000 eggs, coinciding their hatching period to match with those of the bee’s eggs.
| Lifespan | 3-5 months |
| Distribution | North America and Europe |
| Habitat | Around certain plants like buttercups and grasses |
| Predators | Not recorded |
| Seasons active | Year-round, particularly in Spring |
| Hosts | Beehives |
| Diet of adults | Leaves from plants such as beets, buttercups, Jimson weed, mustard greens, and potatoes |
The oils secreted by these beetles contain a toxic chemical called cantharidin. This can cause swelling and blisters and can be fatal if ingested.
Image Source: coleoptera.org.uk, americaninsects.net, ringwoodnaturalhistorysociety.co.uk, theswanseabay.co.uk, bugguide.net
The oil beetles belong to the family of blister beetles. They are known for secreting venomous oils and utilizing bees to raise their larva.
Size: 0.28-1.2 in (0.7-3 cm)
Color: Most are varying shades of black, with some showing violet-blue coloration
Other Characteristic Features: If disturbed, these beetles release oily droplets of their inner fluids called hemolymph from their joints. As they are flightless, their elytra are also shorter than most beetles.
The larvae go through an interesting development cycle during this stage. The beetle larva attaches itself to a male bee in its first instar. When this male bee mates with a female bee, the larva transfers itself to the female. It will then feed on the nourishment meant for the bee larva, sometimes consuming the larva itself.
Metamorphosis of the larva into a pupa takes place incol3 the beehive.
Females lay around 1000 eggs, coinciding their hatching period to match with those of the bee’s eggs.
| Lifespan | 3-5 months |
| Distribution | North America and Europe |
| Habitat | Around certain plants like buttercups and grasses |
| Predators | Not recorded |
| Seasons active | Year-round, particularly in Spring |
| Hosts | Beehives |
| Diet of adults | Leaves from plants such as beets, buttercups, Jimson weed, mustard greens, and potatoes |
The oils secreted by these beetles contain a toxic chemical called cantharidin. This can cause swelling and blisters and can be fatal if ingested.
Image Source: coleoptera.org.uk, americaninsects.net, ringwoodnaturalhistorysociety.co.uk, theswanseabay.co.uk, bugguide.net
