Knowledgebase

Big black bugs #550430

Asked April 01, 2019, 7:08 PM EDT

Found some bugs we haven't seen before while moving some stuff in our yard today. Online search we came up with oil beetle but doesn't look like they should be in Oregon. If that is what they are?

Linn County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for submitting the photos for an id. That is a blister beetle in the genus Meloe which are commonly called oil beetles. They are called oil beetles because they release hemolymph droplets from their joints when disturbed. the droplets contain a chemical that can cause blistering of the skin and painful swelling. Members of this genus are typically flightless with shortened outter wings (elytra).

Here is some additional information including distribution. https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Oil-Beetle
Michael Replied April 03, 2019, 11:36 AM EDT

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