Short-Winged Blister Beetle vs Cistus Forester

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Short-Winged Blister Beetle Cistus Forester
Scientific Name Meloe violaceus Adscita statices
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Meloidae Zygaenidae
Size 15-32 mm 24-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Short-Winged Blister Beetle

A blue-violet oil beetle found across Europe, often seen walking on paths and open ground in spring. Like other oil beetles, it oozes cantharidin-laced fluid from its joints when threatened.

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Did You Know?

A single female can lay over 4,000 eggs in a season, but fewer than one percent of larvae survive to adulthood.

Cistus Forester

A small, metallic green day-flying moth found on chalk grassland and damp meadows. Males have feathery antennae. Larvae feed on common sorrel and sheep's sorrel.

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Did You Know?

The metallic green wings glow brilliantly in sunshine, making this one of the most jewel-like of all European moths.