This informative article began just like the a straightforward post regarding the unpleasant blister insects i’ve up to our home when you look at the north Ghana. To the of many hours he’s got brought about terrible sores toward Heidi and you will me and that i wished to learn more about all of them. I experienced missing non-stop pursuing the rabbit tracks as i researched the subject and it merely went on for much more plus interesting. Nothing is ever before as easy as it seems. And i types of love one to.
Northern Ghana’s Eco-friendly Blister Beetle
My personal starting point is to uncover what the latest natives call-it. No body We spoke so you can was familiar with the expression “blister bug.” That the insect – in reality a beneficial “green blister beetle” – known in your community as the abdulatanka. That isn’t a term from inside the a native Ghanaian language however, Pidgin English for “Abdullah’s Tanker” – a regard to a great Muslim guy operating a fuel tanker. As to why? Because the green blister beetle leakage a dangerous fluid and contains a beneficial tanker-molded back front. In addition to stereotypical big-rig rider during the Ghana are a Muslim guy that have a keen Arabic title.
There is certainly an entire scientific category of blister beetles term Meloidae with to 3000 varieties. That genus where relatives try Lytta plus the offensive blister insect within encounters seems to belong one to group.
Why Sores?
Male blister beetles exude a keen odorless, colorless liquid entitled cantharidin.
