What is this thing?

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What is this sapphire-looking bug? (lemm.ee)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I was gonna warn you because I thought it was:

https://pictureinsect.com/wiki/Meloe_violaceus.html#:~:text=An%20adult%20violet%20Oil%20Beetle,treatments%20and%20as%20an%20aphrodisiac.

Don’t think that’s the case.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago (2 children)

What's to warn about regarding that one?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

Well when I started searching for the info I was under the impression that the toxin caused hour long painful erections. Then I found no info to support that so I just gave up 😅

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

From the above link:

The 'violet Oil Beetle' secretes toxins as a defense mechanism. Contact with adults may result in skin blistering due to these toxins, known as cantharidins. Handling or crushing 'violet Oil Beetle' can lead to skin contact, causing mild to severe blistering upon touch. Ingestion, particularly dangerous for pets or children, can lead to severe internal complications. Long-term effects depend on exposure level; however, typical symptoms include skin irritation and potential damage to the digestive tract.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

That doesn't sound too bad. I've been around cats with a greater potential for damage to the handler.