Blister Beetle

Mylabris pustulata

Blister Beetles are interesting insects that can sometimes make you feel a little itchy! They have bright colors to warn others to stay away.

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Blister Beetle has an elongated, somewhat soft body, often adorned with striking yellow, orange, or red patterns against a black background. Its vibrant colors serve as a warning, making it visually distinct from many other beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyMeloidaeGenusMylabris

Blister Beetle

Interesting facts

Baby Blister Beetles start life as tiny hunters, seeking out grasshopper eggs!

Dried Blister Beetles were once used in medicines, though it was very dangerous!

If threatened, they can 'bleed' a special toxic fluid from their leg joints!

Some species were even collected to make a powerful aphrodisiac called 'Spanish Fly'!

Special abilities

Blister Beetles can release a potent blistering chemical called cantharidin for defense against predators.

Blister Beetles have a unique 'hypermetamorphosis' life cycle, changing forms up to eight times as they grow.

Their larvae can sneak into other insect nests to feed on eggs and stored food, acting as tiny predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 20-50 mm
Size: 10-25 mm
Lifespan: 30-90 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Blister Beetles munch on plants, pollen, and nectar, while their larvae are fierce hunters!

Age differences: Larvae are predatory, eating other insect eggs and larvae, but adults switch to a plant-based diet.

Primary Foods

Pollen
Nectar
Plant leaves
Grasshopper eggs
Bee larvae
Bee stored provisions

Ecological connections

eats

Differential Grasshopper

Melanoplus differentialis

Larvae devour their eggs.

parasitizes

Red Mason Bee

Osmia bicornis

Larvae feed in their nests.

depends on

Common Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Adults feed on its pollen.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Nocturnal

Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.