Oil beetle (blister beetle)

Ground-dwelling in grasslands, meadows, and other open habitats, often near solitary bee nesting sites.

Adults feed on leaves and flowers; larvae parasitize solitary bees, consuming provisions and sometimes bee eggs or larvae.

Flightless, with a swollen abdomen and short wing covers. When threatened, it may release oily hemolymph containing cantharidin.

Cantharidin irritates skin and may cause painful blisters; never handle or ingest it. Larvae are nest parasites of solitary bees.