ORDER COLEOPTERA - TRUE BEETLES
BLISTER BEETLES- Adult blister beetles (below left) contain cantharidin which can cause necrosis and tissue damage following ingestion. Equines are especially sensitive but reports occur in many species. The cantharidin remains toxic even after the death of the beetle.Beetles are often found in improperly bailed hay (below right). Clinical signs are characterized by abdominal pain, depression, frequent urination, and shock. Laboratory findings include hemo-concentration, neutrophilic leukocytosis, hypercalcemia, hematuria, and low urine specific gravity. Necropsy findings include sloughing of stratified squamous epithelium of the stomach, hemorrhage and ulceration in the urinary bladder, and myocardial necrosis.
(Photos by R. Panciera)
DUNG BEETLES - This common beetle may be of value in disposing of feces and the parasite eggs that would be in them. Although its true value has not been determined, this beetle has been considered as a natural biological-control for helminth eggs.
