Aposematism

These too are photos I took in Anza Borrego a week ago. This little fella is called a Desert Blister Beetle (Lytta magister), so named for the effect of the cantharidin toxin he excretes that will blister skin or sicken any would-be hapless diner. Such beetles have proven fatal for horses who've inadvertently consumed them while munching alphalpha hay.
"Aposematism" is warning coloration, in this case his bright red accents, that serve as a warning of the toxicity. If this little fella lands on your skin, you are likely only in danger of blistering if you startle him. So it's probably best not to scream or whack at him. (smile)








I haven't figured out yet what type of spider that little white fella is on top of that flower.