blister beetle
noun
: a beetle (such as the Spanish fly) used medicinally dried and powdered to raise blisters on the skin
broadly
: any of a family (Meloidae) of soft-bodied beetles whose blood contains cantharidin
Examples of blister beetle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mayapple attracts several species of bee as well as blister beetles.
—
Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
Here's how the blister beetle got its name and what to do if you're burned.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 22 May 2024
If blister beetle populations become particularly problematic, consult with a professional pest control service for assistance in managing blister beetle infestations.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 2 May 2024
What are blister beetles attracted to?
—Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2023
In January 1862, Lewis’ two white roommates accused her of poisoning their wine with Spanish fly, a toxin produced by the blister beetle, often used in those days as an aphrodisiac.
—Jessica Lynne, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2022
There are 30 species of blister beetles in Wisconsin, but they are more commonly found in states farther west such as Kansas, Wyoming and Texas.
—Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2020
In the grand scheme of things, blister beetles are not uncommon in Wisconsin.
—Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2020
But at the larva stage, blister beetles take a slight detour that brings them in contact with a particular species of bees.
—Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, 12 Sep. 2018
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Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
Here's how the blister beetle got its name and what to do if you're burned.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 22 May 2024
If blister beetle populations become particularly problematic, consult with a professional pest control service for assistance in managing blister beetle infestations.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 2 May 2024
What are blister beetles attracted to?
—Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2023
In January 1862, Lewis’ two white roommates accused her of poisoning their wine with Spanish fly, a toxin produced by the blister beetle, often used in those days as an aphrodisiac.
—Jessica Lynne, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2022
There are 30 species of blister beetles in Wisconsin, but they are more commonly found in states farther west such as Kansas, Wyoming and Texas.
—Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2020
In the grand scheme of things, blister beetles are not uncommon in Wisconsin.
—Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2020
But at the larva stage, blister beetles take a slight detour that brings them in contact with a particular species of bees.
—Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, 12 Sep. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Blister beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blister%20beetle. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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