# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Gardens and fields

![Blister Beetle](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424548/objects/5561.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Coleoptera
- **Family:** Meloidae
- **Genus:** Mylabris

## 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

- **Chemical Shield:** Blister Beetles can release a potent blistering chemical called cantharidin for defense against predators.
- **Shape-Shifting Life:** Blister Beetles have a unique 'hypermetamorphosis' life cycle, changing forms up to eight times as they grow.
- **Parasite Power:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/differential-grasshopper) (*Melanoplus differentialis*) — Larvae devour their eggs.
- **Parasitizes:** [Red Mason Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-mason-bee) (*Osmia bicornis*) — Larvae feed in their nests.
- **Depends on:** Common Sunflower (*Helianthus annuus*) — Adults feed on its pollen.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Blister Beetle?

Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Blister Beetle's wingspan?

20-50 mm

### How big is Blister Beetle?

10-25 mm

### How long does Blister Beetle live?

30-90 days

### What does Blister Beetle eat?

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

### Where is Blister Beetle usually found?

Gardens and fields

### How many legs does Blister Beetle have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Blister Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blister-beetle)