Rugged Oil Beetle vs Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rugged Oil Beetle | Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Meloe rugosus | Epicauta vittata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 8-25 mm | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western Europe, Southern Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Not Evaluated |
Rugged Oil Beetle
A rare, dark and heavily wrinkled oil beetle that appears in autumn unlike its spring-emerging relatives. It is one of Britain's most endangered beetles.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few European oil beetles that is active during the autumn and winter months.
Blister Beetle
A striped black and yellow beetle that releases cantharidin, a chemical causing painful skin blisters. It is a pest of tomatoes and potatoes.
Did You Know?
Horses can die from eating hay contaminated with just a few crushed blister beetles.