Blister Beetle vs Hog Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blister Beetle Hog Louse
Scientific Name Epicauta vittata Haematopinus suis
Order Coleoptera Phthiraptera
Family Meloidae Haematopinidae
Size 12-20 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions North America Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Hog Louse

The largest louse found on domestic animals, exclusively parasitizing pigs. It feeds on blood and is most commonly found behind the ears and in skin folds.

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Did You Know?

At up to 6 mm long, the hog louse is the largest sucking louse known, easily visible to the naked eye on infested pigs.