Content Warning for the episode: discussion of adult topics, including sexual assault and BDSM.

This week Amanda and Kelly discuss a weird group of beetles and its unusual life history and its role in history as a supposed aphrodisiac. Although we mostly focus on the Oil Beetles (Meloe genus), we also talk about some other blister beetles including spanish fly (Lytta vesicatoria). Tangents include juicy spiders, the aristocracy, Strong Bad, and historical dress.

Kelly's Field Notes: https://www.bugsneedheroes.com/episodes/marquis-de-beetle

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Hosted by Amanda Niday and Kelly Zimmerman with editing by Derek Conrad with assistance from Chelsey Bawden

Created by Derek Conrad and Kelly Zimmerman.

Character artwork by Amanda Niday.

Music is Ladybug Castle by Rolemusic.