Iron Cross Blister Beetle vs Sparkling Jewelwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Iron Cross Blister Beetle Sparkling Jewelwing
Scientific Name Tegrodera aloga Calopteryx xanthostoma
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Meloidae Calopterygidae
Size 15-25 mm 45-50 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southwestern United States, Mexico Europe, Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Swarms occasionally emerge in massive numbers after favorable spring rains in the desert.

Sparkling Jewelwing

A southwestern European demoiselle closely related to the Banded Demoiselle. Males have broad dark wing bands and a distinctive yellow underside to the mouth.

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Did You Know?

It can be distinguished from the Banded Demoiselle by the yellow underside of its lower lip.