Articles

Cantharidin is a very vicious and toxic chemical present in all life stages of Blister Beetle. It is used as a last resort in the battle to save Blister Beetle from the predators. Adult beetles kept in isolation for 80-90 days produce different types of cantharidin. Cantharidin shows dermatologic, genitourinary, pulmonary, and other anatomical effects. The male biosynthesizes about 17mg of Cantharidin which is 10% of the live weight of the beettle. The females don't have this compound but receive it from the male while copulation.