Blister Beetle (Hycleus lugens)

Family Meloidae

Blister Beetles are generally very colourful and this one is about 1cm in length.

 Adults secrete liquids containing the poison cantharadin from the leg joints which may blister the human skin and if eaten, may prove fatal.

 Some lay eggs on flowers and their first stage larvae attach themselves to visiting bees which carry them back to their nests. The beetle larvae then occupy cells and feed on their hosts stores of pollen and nectar.

Info: Field Guide to Insects of South Africa