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Beetlesoil beetle
my boss [runs a tree-trimming, spraying etc company] found a bug … i’ve attached a photo – not the best photo = i took it. do you think it is an "oil beetle"? we are located in stockton new jersey, but do tree work in new jersey and pennsylvania, so is it possible that oil beetles are in our area?
thanks for your help?
lynnie
Hi Lynnie,
Yes, this is an Oil Beetle. They are also known as Short Winged Blister Beetles and are in the genus Meloe. They are found in your area. According to the Audubon Guide: “If disturbed, this beetle feigns death by falling on its side. Leg joints exude droplets of liquid that cause blisters.” We are hoping your photo shows this feigning death behavior and is not the result of extermination.
they did not exterminate it … they found it, and wanted to know what it was. they actually thought it was dead and brought it back to the shop. next morning it was moving. i had just put it out on the paper with the ruler to take the picture so mr beetle could just be faking it again. thanks for your help. i will share with my boss in the morning.
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