About Megetra vittata (LeConte, 1853)
Megetra vittata is a blister beetle species that belongs to the family Meloidae, and it is native to North America. Like all other blister beetles, this species excretes the toxic chemical cantharidin to defend itself against predators. If horses or other animals eat a large number of Megetra vittata beetles, they can become ill and die from the toxin. These beetles have been documented mixing into hay and other types of livestock feed, putting animals at risk of exposure.
