Schrenk's Blister Beetle - Mylabris schrenki Gebl.
They are easily recognized by their characteristic and bright appearance. The beetles are of medium to large size, usually brightly colored, with a head that is lowered and narrowed towards the back, with 11-segmented, less often 8-10 segmented antennae, a narrowed first segment of the thorax, flexible elytra that are wider than the first segment of the thorax and often do not cover the entire abdomen, split bones, and large touching coxae of the first two pairs of legs, with 6-7 free segments on the underside of the abdomen.
On sunny days, they can be seen sitting, sometimes even several individuals, on flowers.
The beetles are sluggish and slow. The larvae are insect parasites and represent a phenomenon of hypermetamorphosis.
The larvae that emerge from the eggs are very mobile; they penetrate into the egg pods of locusts, where they feed on their eggs.
Blister beetles that parasitize on grasshoppers have a noticeable impact on the population of locusts, which are one of the main pests of agriculture. Many have a repellent coloration, warning potential predators of their toxicity.
Blister beetles received their name because they have very toxic blood, which contains cantharidin—a substance that strongly irritates the skin and causes the formation of blisters. According to biochemist Karem Ghonaim, cantharidin found in the coverings and hemolymph of blister beetles can be used in the composition of environmentally friendly pesticides and herbicides.
Blister beetles have been widely used since ancient times in the treatment of dropsy and against rabies.
An infusion made from the beetles was also used as a means to strengthen hair. In ancient times, the infusion was also used for poisoning people.
Shepherds drive livestock away from areas where there are many of these beetles; animals that accidentally swallow them with grass become ill and often die.
Distribution: The Pervomaisky Districts of Kyrgyzstan
Insects of Kyrgyzstan
