Blistery Biological Control

Since I spend alot of time using the "interdependent relationships" within nature as a basis for environmental conservation, I figured that I should supply you with an example. Nature enlists it's own biological control when it deals with various pests. Many different species have an interdependent relationship with another to help maintain a natural balance within their populations. This type of natural control exists among animals in predator-prey circumstances as well as in insects as you will soon learn. Solitary Bees, Grasshoppers and Blister Beetles all share a need for eachother. They are examples of how nature manages to control overpopulation of one species while nurturing and feeding another. Most of my research was done between the Blister Beetle and the Solitary Bee so I will mostly focus here, with the grasshopper being a casual mention.

The Blister Beetle (AKA-Oil Beetle) has a very appropriate name for itself as it contains a substance named "Cantharidin". This oozing oily substance spews from joints when the insect is touched and can literally cause blisters to arise on the skin of the person who did the touching. This defense is referred to as "reflex bleeding". This irritating toxin is commonly referred to as "Spanish Fly" and was at one time considered a type of sexual potion. Medically the toxin has been used effectively for the removal of warts. There are negative sides to this beetle in the form of horses, who can become fatally sick as a result of ingesting one of these black beauties. Their toxins are extremely toxic to horses and are a great concern to the horse owners. Blister Beetles are both beneficial and harmful, as larvae help to control bees and grasshoppers but the adults will destroy crops.

Solitary Bees (AKA-Mining Bee, Digger Bee, Andrenid Bee) are ground nesting and are as their name implies "solitary", not part of a colony or community. The females build nests with cylindrical tunnels and they are totally responsible for maintenance of the nests and care of the young. Generally, bees are very important to the surrounding habitats as pollinators, which in turn supports some economic importance as well. Many Solitary Bees are specific to feeding on only one or a few type of flowers so their ability to thrive is a major importance to these types of vegetation.

Blister Beetle mothers lay their eggs on the ground close to that of a Solitary Bee's nest, and the larvae are very fast moving critters(strikingly similar to that of lice). When the beetle larvae emerge, they either find their own way down into the bee's nest or they attach themselves to a bee and are flown into the nest. Once the larvae is in the nest, it begins feeding on several of the eggs. Once done, the larvae continues to feed upon the nectar and pollen storages as well. While this feeding process is underway, the larvae will develop into legless grubs. After the completion of the pupal stage, the now adult Blister Beetle emerges and begins feeding on cultivated plants. A similar exchange occurs when the beetle larvae feed on grasshoppers.

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