Japanese Blister Beetle vs Pine Spittlebug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Blister Beetle Pine Spittlebug
Scientific Name Epicauta gorhami Aphrophora cribrata
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Meloidae Aphrophoridae
Size 12-18 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions East Asia, Japan/Korea North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Blister Beetle

A black and orange striped blister beetle found in Japan and Korea. Known as 'tsuchi-hanmyo.' Contains cantharidin, a blistering agent, in its body fluids as a defense against predators.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, this beetle exudes hemolymph containing cantharidin from its leg joints, which can cause painful blisters on human skin.

Pine Spittlebug

A large spittlebug that feeds on pine and other conifers, producing masses of froth on branches. Heavy infestations can cause branch dieback in young pine plantations.

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Did You Know?

A single nymph can produce several milliliters of spittle per hour by pumping air into excreted xylem fluid.