About 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.
How to Identify Indian Blister Beetle
Indian Blister Beetle (Mylabris pustulata) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Meloidae. Adults typically measure 15-25 mm.
Indian Blister Beetle Habitat
Indian Blister Beetle is found in farmland habitats, particularly across South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Indian Blister Beetle Diet and Feeding
Indian Blister Beetle feeds on pollen collected from flowers. As a pollen feeder, it plays a role in pollination, helping to fertilise plants as it moves from flower to flower.
Where Is Indian Blister Beetle Found?
Indian Blister Beetle can be found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh), where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Indian Blister Beetle can be found
Is Indian Blister Beetle Dangerous?
Indian 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.
Indian Blister Beetle Role in Nature
Indian Blister Beetle plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Blister Beetle
What does Indian Blister Beetle look like?
The Indian Blister Beetle typically measures 15-25 mm.
Where is Indian Blister Beetle found?
The Indian Blister Beetle is found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh) and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Indian Blister Beetle eat?
The Indian Blister Beetle feeds on pollen collected from flowers.
Is Indian Blister Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Indian Blister Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Indian Blister Beetle?
Despite being a flower pest, blister beetle larvae are beneficial because they consume enormous quantities of grasshopper egg pods in the soil.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Indian Blister Beetle (Mylabris pustulata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-blister-beetle
MLA:
"Indian Blister Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/indian-blister-beetle.