About 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.
How to Identify Blister Beetle
Blister Beetle (Epicauta vittata) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Meloidae. Adults typically measure 12-20 mm.
Blister Beetle Habitat
Blister Beetle is found in farmland habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Blister Beetle Diet and Feeding
Blister Beetle has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Blister Beetle Found?
Blister Beetle can be found in North America, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Blister Beetle can be found
Is Blister Beetle Dangerous?
Blister Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Blister Beetle Role in Nature
Blister Beetle plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Blister Beetle are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Blister Beetle
What does Blister Beetle look like?
The Blister Beetle typically measures 12-20 mm.
Where is Blister Beetle found?
The Blister Beetle is found in North America and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Blister Beetle eat?
The Blister Beetle has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Blister Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Blister Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Blister Beetle endangered?
The Blister Beetle is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Blister Beetle?
Horses can die from eating hay contaminated with just a few crushed blister beetles.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Blister Beetle (Epicauta vittata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blister-beetle
MLA:
"Blister Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blister-beetle.