Iron Cross Blister Beetle vs Cigarette Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Iron Cross Blister Beetle | Cigarette Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tegrodera aloga | Lasioderma serricorne |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Ptinidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, Mexico | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Iron Cross Blister Beetle
A striking beetle with bright yellow and black cross-shaped markings on its elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent blistering agent.
Did You Know?
Swarms occasionally emerge in massive numbers after favorable spring rains in the desert.
Cigarette Beetle
A tiny, reddish-brown beetle that infests stored tobacco, spices, and dried foods. It is one of the most widespread stored-product pests.
Did You Know?
It can chew through tin foil and even reportedly survives eating dried chili peppers.