The blister beetle genus Meloe is a large, widespread group commonly referred to as oil beetles. They are known as `oil beetles` because they release oily droplets of hemolymph from their joints when disturbed; this contains cantharidin, a poisonous chemical causing blistering of the skin and painful swelling. Members of this genus are typically.....
Found on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meloe
• A genus of beetles without wings, but having short oval elytra; the oil beetles. These beetles are sometimes used instead of cantharides for raising blisters. See Oil beetle, under Oil.
Found on
http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/meloe/
Mel'o·e [ New Latin , from Greek ... to probe a wound.]
(Zoology) A genus of beetles without wings, but having short oval elytra; the oil beetles. These beetles are sometimes used instead of cantharides for raising blisters. See
Oil beetle , under
Oil .
Found on
http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/M/45
No exact match found.
