Subject: Big black bug!
Geographic location of the bug: Northeast Pennsylvania
Date: 04/11/2019
Time: 08:45 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hello! I found this while doing yard cleanup in one of my flower beds, under mostly dried grasses, and some damp leaves. It is about an inch to an inch & a half long & Was relocated to a far corner of the yard. Any idea what this is?
How you want your letter signed: Knitwit in the poconos
Dear Knitwit in the poconos,
This is a Blister Beetle in the genus Meloe, commonly called an Oil Beetle. Blister Beetles should be handled with caution as some species are capable of secreting a compound known as cantharadin that can cause blistering in sensitive individuals.
Wow! Thank you for the quick reply and the great info!
~pj~