Which family uses reflex bleeding and contains cantharidin?

Prepare for the Comprehensive Entomology Exam with detailed quizzes on Morphology, Behavior, Evolution, and Pest Management. Dive into multiple-choice questions with solutions and explanations to boost your understanding. Get ready to ace your entomology test!

Multiple Choice

Which family uses reflex bleeding and contains cantharidin?

Explanation:
Reflex bleeding is a defense where an insect rapidly exudes hemolymph when threatened, and in blister beetles that fluid contains cantharidin, a potent blistering chemical. This combination—defensive reflex bleeding paired with cantharidin presence in the hemolymph—is characteristic of the Meloidae family. The other beetle families listed rely on different chemical defenses or physical traits and do not typically produce cantharidin in their reflex-bleeding fluid. So, the family described is Meloidae.

Reflex bleeding is a defense where an insect rapidly exudes hemolymph when threatened, and in blister beetles that fluid contains cantharidin, a potent blistering chemical. This combination—defensive reflex bleeding paired with cantharidin presence in the hemolymph—is characteristic of the Meloidae family. The other beetle families listed rely on different chemical defenses or physical traits and do not typically produce cantharidin in their reflex-bleeding fluid. So, the family described is Meloidae.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy