(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine has put out a warning to people who keep reptiles or amphibians as pets.
It centers on lightning bugs. Dr. Krista Keller, a specialist in Zoological Medicine, says the insects contain toxins called lucibufagins, which protect them from predators.
But if a bearded dragon were to eat just one, Keller says, it could be fatal.
That goes for other lizards as well.
The best strategy is to keep exotic pets inside when lightning bugs are active, Keller said, because they may not be able to resist eating them.
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