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Canada's Species   Insects

Blister Beetles

Family Meloidae

Lytta sayi. Photo:Stephanie Boucher
Lytta sayi. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Adults are phytophagous (plant-eating), feeding on a variety of plants including cultivated crops like potatoes and tomatoes. The larvae of many species feed on grasshopper eggs and a few attack bee larvae or feed on bee eggs and the food stored in the cells with the eggs. The common name blister beetles come from the fact that these beetles can release a yellow oily liquid from the joints of the legs and this liquid (called cantharadin) can cause blisters if it contacts human skin. Most Meloidae in our area are usually between 10 and 15 mm long. They have a soft body, usually narrow and elongated and some are brightly coloured. The head is wider than than the thorax and they have a narrow neck. Some species cannot fly, these have short elytra (modified front wings that protect the hind wings) and no hind wings.

   
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