Wildlife
The oil beetles are here: fascinating, but toxic
Glossy black oil beetles crawl through gardens in spring. Fascinating, but toxic: look only, do not touch.
Look, don't touch
Glossy black oil beetles are fascinating, but toxic. They produce the substance cantharidin in their legs, which irritates the skin and causes blisters. Ingestion can be fatal.
Parasites in wild bee nests
«The sight of one is a fine indication that your garden is friendly to wild bees», says Sophie Lokatis of the Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung. The black-blue oil beetle is listed as endangered on the Red List. More on the topic of species protection and biodiversity.
| You can help all animals and our planet through compassion. Choose empathy on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan. |
