Vedalia Beetle vs Indian Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vedalia Beetle | Indian Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Novius cardinalis | Mylabris pustulata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Australia, Worldwide (introduced) | South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Vedalia Beetle
A small red-and-black ladybird famous as the first successful biological control agent in history. It saved the California citrus industry from the cottony cushion scale in 1889.
Did You Know?
Its introduction to California is considered the founding event of modern biological pest control.
Indian Blister Beetle
A striking beetle with black elytra marked with bright red or orange bands and spots. It produces cantharidin, a powerful blistering agent, and feeds on flowers in agricultural fields during monsoon season.
Did You Know?
Despite being a flower pest, blister beetle larvae are beneficial because they consume enormous quantities of grasshopper egg pods in the soil.