ISSN:
1423-0445
Keywords:
toxin sequestration
;
predation
;
human dietary hazard
;
cantharidin
;
Coleoptera
;
Meloidae
;
Epicauta vittata
;
Rana
;
Hirudo
;
Nerodia
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Frogs(Rana pipiens) fed on blister beetles (Meloidae) or cantharidin, retain cantharidin systemically. After cessation of feeding, they void the compound relatively quickly. Systemic cantharidin does not protect frogs against ectoparasitic feeding by leeches(Hirudo medicinalis) or predation by snakes(Nerodia sipedon). As suggested by our data, and from reports in the early literature, ingestion of cantharidin-containing frogs can pose a health threat to humans.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01325229
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