Spanish Fly vs Eight-spotted Tiger Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spanish Fly | Eight-spotted Tiger Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lytta vesicatoria | Cicindela octogramma |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Cicindelidae |
| Size | 10-22mm | 10-15 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spanish Fly
A slender, metallic green blister beetle with soft elytra. It produces cantharidin, a potent blistering agent, as a chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Cantharidin from this beetle has been used in medicine for centuries but it is extremely toxic and can be lethal if ingested.
Eight-spotted Tiger Beetle
A dark bronze tiger beetle bearing eight distinct pale spots on its elytra. It is a fast-moving predator found on exposed earth and gravel paths in hilly terrain.
Did You Know?
The larvae of this species dig vertical burrows in soil and ambush passing prey from the entrance.