Meloe variegatus is a European oil beetle. It is commonly known as the variegated oil beetle. Adult beetles feed on leaves and can be pests of crops, while the larvae are parasitic on solitary bees.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
Poisonous. The note covers its whole family. Blister beetles; cantharidin, blisters on contact Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Meloe cavensis — poisonous
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Meloidae
- Genus
- Meloe
- Species
- Meloe variegatus
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo