HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Cantharidin (CTD) is a toxic monoterpene produced by blister beetles (Fam. Meloidae) as a chemical defense against predators. Although CTD is highly poisonous to many predator species, some have evolved the ability to feed on poisonous Meloidae, or otherwise beneficially use blister beetles.

Detailed explanation-2: -Blister beetles, known as meloids to entomologists, are insects that naturally contain a toxin, known as cantharidin. Stored within their bodies it can cause blistering of human skin, or the intestinal tracts of animals that ingest blister beetles1, 2, 3.

Detailed explanation-3: -Blister beetles do not cause widespread feeding damage to alfalfa; however, they contain a chemical, cantharidin, which is toxic to livestock.

Detailed explanation-4: -Cantharidin is a potent vesicant and irritant produced by insects commonly known as blister beetles. Cantharidin can sometimes contaminate alfalfa. Cantharidin poisoning causes gastrointestinal and urinary tract irritation, and in severe cases can cause shock, circulatory collapse, and death.

Detailed explanation-5: -Cantharidin, a vesicant produced by beetles in the order Coleoptera, has a long history in both folk and traditional medicine. In dermatology, topical cantharidin has long been used to treat warts and molluscum.