The top one is in the family Meloidae and has the common name blister beetle or oil beetle. When disturbed they can release cantharidin which can cause blisters or irritate the skin. I would not worry about this beetle damaging your plants. The second picture is of a scale insect. Scales are plant feeders and there are many that are considered pests. Luckily the third picture is of a lady beetle that appears to be eating one of them!
Thanks Mary and Scott! Thank you for taking the time to tell us about these bugs. We appreciate it...it's fun to learn about bugs we haven't seen before. I didn't know that about the beetle. I'm glad I didn't touch it!
Great pictures Andy!
ReplyDeleteThe top one is in the family Meloidae and has the common name blister beetle or oil beetle. When disturbed they can release cantharidin which can cause blisters or irritate the skin. I would not worry about this beetle damaging your plants. The second picture is of a scale insect. Scales are plant feeders and there are many that are considered pests. Luckily the third picture is of a lady beetle that appears to be eating one of them!
I love these pics! Especially the blister beetle.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary and Scott! Thank you for taking the time to tell us about these bugs. We appreciate it...it's fun to learn about bugs we haven't seen before. I didn't know that about the beetle. I'm glad I didn't touch it!
ReplyDelete~michele