The American Oil Beetle (Meloe americanus) is a large blister beetle known for secreting an oily defensive chemical when disturbed.
Taxonomy and Classification
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Meloidae
- Genus: Meloe
- Species: Meloe americanus
Physical Description
- Length: 20–35 mm
- Color: Dark blue or black
- Body: Soft-bodied with a swollen abdomen
Distribution and Habitat
- North America
- Fields and grasslands
- Areas with flowering plants
Behavior and Ecology
Larvae parasitize bee nests, while adults feed on plant foliage.
Management and Prevention
The defensive chemical can cause skin irritation if handled.