Desert Blister Beetle vs Differential Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Blister Beetle | Differential Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epicauta puncticollis | Melanoplus differentialis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 10-18 mm | 28-50 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Desert Blister Beetle
A soft-bodied beetle that produces cantharidin, a blistering toxin, in its hemolymph. It feeds on desert wildflowers after seasonal rains.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are parasites that consume grasshopper eggs buried in desert soil.
Differential Grasshopper
A large spur-throated grasshopper recognized by the herringbone pattern on its hind femora. It is a significant agricultural pest in North America.
Did You Know?
Differential grasshoppers can eat about half their body weight in vegetation each day, causing millions of dollars in crop damage during outbreaks.