Blister Beetle (Lytta aenea) Stock Photos. Blister Beetle (Lytta aenea) is a new set of stock photos by Ernie Hunter.The Blister Beetle (Lytta aenea) appears each year as the chokecherry trees blossom. They eat the pollen and nectar and usually mate at the same time. While these beetles seem harmless they can be deadly. The male beetle produces cantharidin, a toxin similar to cyanide and strychnine in toxicity. If threatened he will emit some of this liquid, which is stored in their blood, and it will cause a burning, blistering sensation on skin. He transfers this liquid to the female while mating.Click here to view Ernie Hunter’s website. 