African Armyworm vs Blister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Armyworm Blister Beetle
Scientific Name Spodoptera exempta Epicauta vittata
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Meloidae
Size 28-35 mm wingspan 12-20 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

African Armyworm

A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.

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Did You Know?

A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.

Blister Beetle

A striped black and yellow beetle that releases cantharidin, a chemical causing painful skin blisters. It is a pest of tomatoes and potatoes.

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Did You Know?

Horses can die from eating hay contaminated with just a few crushed blister beetles.