), carrying parasitic triungulins of Stenoria analis'' Blister beetles are
hypermetamorphic, going through several larval stages, the first of which is typically a mobile
triungulin. The
larvae are
insectivorous, mainly attacking
bees, though a few feed on
grasshopper eggs. While sometimes considered
parasitoids, in general, the meloid larva apparently consumes the immature host along with its provisions, and can often survive on the provisions alone; thus it is not an obligatory parasitoid, but rather a facultative parasitoid, or simply a
kleptoparasite. The adults sometimes feed on flowers and leaves of plants of such diverse families as the
Amaranthaceae,
Asteraceae,
Fabaceae, and
Solanaceae. pursued by multiple males Cantharidin, a poisonous chemical that causes blistering of the skin, is secreted as a defensive agent. It is used medically to remove warts and is collected for this purpose from species of the genera
Mylabris and
Lytta, especially
Lytta vesicatoria, better known as "Spanish fly". ==Toxicity==