in suitable facilities—can be modified to express

virus antigens and used as an affordable and

scalable bioreactor for mass antigen generation

for use in vaccine production against emerging

viruses. The use of the ladybug Harmonia axyridis

(Coccinellidae) to produce the antimicrobial agent

harmonine has been discussed under biomimicry

(see page 77). Beetles are likely to yield dozens or

hundreds of useful substances if the technology

and the will to study them are available.

Beetles feature in traditional medicine in some

parts of the world. In Southeast Asia, whirligig

beetles (Gyrinidae) are collected from ponds and

used as a folk remedy for fever. In traditional

Chinese medicine, fireflies of the genus

Luciola were once thought to clarify

eyesight, cure night blindness, and

treat wounds and burns caused by

fire. Finally, some beetles, especially

tenebrionids that live around

human habitation (genera Blaps

and Ulomoides, for example), may be

intermediate hosts for tapeworms or

roundworms that can affect humans.

above | Lytta vesicatoria (Meloidae)

The Spanish Fly is a source of

cantharidin, which may have medical

applications but is toxic if consumed.

opposite | Paederus fuscipes (Staphylinidae)

This widespread and brightly colored rove

beetle secretes the vesicant pederin, which

has been tested for anticancer properties.

below | Photinus pyralis (Lampyridae)

The Big Dipper Firefly of North

America—its bioluminescence chemicals

are helpful for marking growing cells.