Large Bloody-nosed Beetle vs African Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Large Bloody-nosed Beetle | African Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Timarcha goettingensis | Mylabris oculata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 8-13 mm | 15-30 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Central and Western Europe | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Large Bloody-nosed Beetle
A somewhat smaller relative of Timarcha tenebricosa, with a similarly rounded, convex, black body and fused wing cases. It shares the characteristic reflex bleeding behavior of its genus.
Did You Know?
Adults are entirely flightless because their hind wings have been completely reduced and their elytra are fused together.
African Blister Beetle
A conspicuous beetle with orange-red and black banded elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent toxin that can cause severe skin blistering on contact.
Did You Know?
Its cantharidin is so toxic that even a small amount can kill a horse if ingested with contaminated hay or alfalfa.