beetle Meloidae - brightly colored insect average.His quirky appearance attracts kids.They may want to touch this insect.However, we must remember that the beetle Meloidae toxic and under certain conditions can be dangerous.
Description
These insects are characterized by bright colors with a metallic sheen, tapered head with a mustache, a flexible elytra.Beetle-Meloidae has a body length of about two centimeters.The insect is diurnal, eats soft leaves of grasses, shrubs, crops.These beetles (photo gives an idea of the variety of their colors) are very voracious.They are able to absorb the amount of food a day, at eleven times their own weight.
Depending on what species belongs beetle of Meloidae, its mating period can occur in different seasons.These insects do not build their own nests, and are ready locusts nest and lay eggs there.Some species lay their eggs in the larvae of bees and briefly lead a parasitic life.But in the adult stage, they pass to feeding the leaves of shrubs and trees.
beetle Meloidae Photo and habitat
Although most of the insect lives in the subtropics in Russia, too, there are about one hundred and fifty species.Not very euphonious name of the beetle is connected with its major types of sign.The insect's blood contained the poison cantharidin, which is in contact with skin Causes burns and then the appearance of an abscess.Pets, accidentally swallowed a bug with grass, may be very sick.However, chickens, swallows and hedgehogs are immune to poison and Meloidae can eat these insects without consequences for themselves.
large number of these bugs can cause damage to agriculture.For example, in Kazakhstan are found about forty species of poisonous Meloidae.They live in deserts, steppes and the foothills of the flat part of the country.From May to August, in the period of greatest activity, these insects form a huge cluster.They feed crops such as alfalfa, soybeans, melons and cotton.They can cause great damage to plantations, if you will thrive in large quantities.Larvae Meloidae called triungulinami (because of its triangular shape).In some species they feed on the larvae of locusts.This Meloidae partly compensate for the harm that adults inflict plantations.This form is Meloidae Frolova, a notably bright colors - round wings of the beetle have intense red color with black spots.
danger to human
Properties Meloidae toxin known since ancient times.Nomadic peoples there is increased likelihood of loss of cattle in areas where abounded these beetles.Formula Meloidae venom has been studied by French scientists.It is so toxic, it can cause death of a person, even if it is artificially synthesized.Beetle releases poison when touched.Getting on human skin, this material gives rise to blister.If you violate the integrity of the education there is pain and itching.With extensive lesions occur ulcers are treated symptomatically.
