African Blister Beetle vs African Bombardier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Blister Beetle | African Bombardier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mylabris oculata | Stenaptinus insignis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 15-30 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Omnivores |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Blister Beetle
A conspicuous beetle with orange-red and black banded elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent toxin that can cause severe skin blistering on contact.
Did You Know?
Its cantharidin is so toxic that even a small amount can kill a horse if ingested with contaminated hay or alfalfa.
African Bombardier Beetle
A large, brightly colored bombardier beetle found across sub-Saharan Africa. Its yellow and dark-blue markings serve as warning coloration.
Did You Know?
It can fire its chemical spray up to 20 times in rapid succession before depleting its reserves.