Oil Beetle from Crete

large black beetle?
Location: Crete, Greece
April 3, 2011 1:40 am
I found this large insect about 500 ft elevation in Crete, Greece while hiking with some friends. I thought it was a Beetle at first but it lacked a split shell that covered wings. it’s ”shell” appeared to be just a large abdomen. i couldn’t tell if it was hard or soft because i didn’t want to risk injuring the bug if it was soft or me if it could bite.
Signature: swishdeka

Oil Beetle

Dear swishdeka,
This is a Blister Beetle in the genus Meloe, commonly called an Oil Beetle.  The Oil Beetle, like other Blister Beetles, secretes a compound known as cantharidin that can cause blistering of the skin.

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Location: Greece