Blister Beetle vs Feather-Legged Assassin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blister Beetle | Feather-Legged Assassin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epicauta vittata | Ptilocnemus lemur |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 12-20 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Australia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Horses can die from eating hay contaminated with just a few crushed blister beetles.
Feather-Legged Assassin Bug
An Australian assassin bug with bizarre feathery hind legs used to lure ant prey. It waves its feathered legs near ant trails to attract victims.
Did You Know?
It dangles its feathery hind legs like fishing lures to attract ants, which it then seizes and devours.