Desert Blister Beetle

Desert Blister Beetle

Also known as Arizona Blister Beetle (Lytta magister) spotted near S Cove in Lake Mead Area, Nevada. April 2008. There are more than 300 species of the blister beetles. They all contain a toxic substance called cantharidin. Cantharidin causes severe irritation of the skin when touched and of the urogenital tract when swallowed.
Anya Jingle
on Apr 5, 2008 3:56 pm
Image Type(s): Wildlife
Image ID: 394186

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SoCalHiker

SoCalHiker - Apr 5, 2008 6:42 pm - Voted 10/10

Great detail!

I am just curious; are you a naturalist who knows the local fauna and flora extremely well or do you look up all the plants and animals. In any case, your pics are always very informative and lively. Thanks.

Anya Jingle

Anya Jingle - Apr 5, 2008 6:59 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Great detail!

Thank you for the compliments. I'm just a naturalist at heart, not a pro. I was born and raised in Europe and I find American flora and fauna fascinating. I used to look everything up in books to make sure I don't give the wrong info in my slideshows and to learn, but by now I know most names of flowers and animals around Southern Nevada. There's still a lot to learn for me about shrubs and grasses though, but that's good. Greetings, AJ.

SoCalHiker

SoCalHiker - Apr 5, 2008 7:31 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Great detail!

Wow. You certainly have all my respect for being that knowledgeable. Cheers. Guido

kaiser

kaiser - Apr 8, 2008 4:43 am - Voted 10/10

great

i realy like this pic bcoz i never seen before this kind of pic with complete detais hats of to u

lcarreau

lcarreau - Apr 8, 2008 10:38 pm - Voted 10/10

I saw this beetle

in the Muddy Mountain Wilderness! It
was flying and landed on my left arm.
I hurried and brushed it off, because
I had read in a book how they can harm
your skin. Thanks for posting it in
such remarkable DETAIL, Anya! - Larry

Anya Jingle

Anya Jingle - Apr 8, 2008 11:01 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: I saw this beetle

Thanks Larry. This was just a little one. The were three adults nearby but were not very cooperative for the photo. I have seen these bugs before in Goldstrike Canyon. I guess they must be common in all of Lake Mead.

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