What is this? Bizarre!

[TarantulaLV]

Southern Nevada wandering around on the ground climbing stems and devouring flowers. They are huge! Over two inches.

 

[Tleilaxu]

Dude www.bugguide.net is your friend for times like these.

AWESOME pics!

 

[bugster]

Blister Beetles

Looks like you found some blister beetles there (Meloidae). Can't give you total id though, but might point in right direction

 

[Galapoheros]

From an old book I have, looks like an "Arizona" Blister beetle. But over 2" might be a little big for that unless you're including the antennae.

 

[sparular]

If they are blister beetles, they produce cantharidin. Cantharidin causes blisters on the skin but when it is diluted, it has other properties. It is also found in the spanish fly and is the active ingredient in "spanish fly". Diluted in water and ingested it increases blood flow to peripheral tissues including male and female sex organs aiding in the physical side of arousal. So grind them up, dilute them in water, and if you "feel something" they MAY be blister beetles.

Seriously though, I have no idea what they are but nice find they are beautiful.

 

[arachnocat]

Awesome pics! May I ask what camera you use?

 

[Deathla]

its probably a soldier beetle.

 

[7mary3]

its probably a soldier beetle.

And you're basing that on........?

 

[myrmecophile]

It is definitely a "Blister Beetle" should be Lytta magister
Desert Blister Beetle

 

[TarantulaLV]

Awesome pics! May I ask what camera you use?

Nikon D80

 

[Eclipse]

lol. trust me, you do not want to touch these.