# Cedar False Blister Beetle (*Ditylus quadricollis*) The Cedar False Blister Beetle is a small, shiny insect that loves to munch on cedar trees. It has a unique shape and bright colors that make it stand out in nature! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Cedar False Blister Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ditylus_quadricollis_at_Cannon_Beach%252C_OR.jpg&width=800) Photo: Mbdfar, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ditylus_quadricollis_at_Cannon_Beach%252C_OR.jpg) ## Appearance The Cedar False Blister Beetle has an elongated, somewhat flattened body, often with a striking metallic blue-green or purplish sheen on its wing covers and head. Its legs and antennae are typically a contrasting reddish-brown, making it stand out from its forest habitat. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Oedemeridae - **Genus:** Ditylus ## Interesting facts - Adults are often seen in spring and summer, flitting around flowers for a sweet snack. - It's called a 'false' blister beetle because it mimics dangerous ones, but isn't harmful itself! - This beetle can look shiny green, blue, or even purple in different lights, like a tiny jewel! - Young Cedar False Blister Beetles live inside rotting wood, helping to recycle old trees. ## Special abilities - **Metallic Shield:** Cedar False Blister Beetle has a shimmering metallic exoskeleton that helps it blend into forest light and potentially deter predators. - **Decay Digesters:** Cedar False Blister Beetle larvae can munch on decaying wood, breaking it down and returning nutrients to the forest floor. - **Pollinator Pal:** Cedar False Blister Beetle adults can feed on flower pollen and nectar, helping to spread pollen as they visit blooms. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-25 mm - **Size:** 10-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults sip sweet nectar and pollen, while their young munch on decaying wood. - **Age differences:** Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae are detritivores, feeding on decaying wood and fungi. - **Primary Foods:** pollen, nectar, decaying wood, fungi - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** [Western Red Cedar](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-red-cedar) (*Thuja plicata*) — Larvae develop within its decaying wood. - **Eats:** Common Yarrow (*Achillea millefolium*) — Adults visit its flowers for pollen and nectar. - **Eaten by:** [Steller's Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/stellers-jay) (*Cyanocitta stelleri*) — A potential food source for this forest bird. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [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. - [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [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) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's best to look at beetles from a distance and not touch them, as they can be sensitive. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Cedar False 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 Cedar False Blister Beetle's wingspan? 20-25 mm ### How big is Cedar False Blister Beetle? 10-15 mm ### How long does Cedar False Blister Beetle live? 30-90 days ### What does Cedar False Blister Beetle eat? Adults sip sweet nectar and pollen, while their young munch on decaying wood. ### Where is Cedar False Blister Beetle usually found? Forests ### How does Cedar False Blister Beetle hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Cedar False Blister Beetle have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Old Town Eureka](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/old-town-eureka) — California, US · Historic District - [Moyie Lake Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/moyie-lake-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park ## 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*) --- Source: [Cedar False Blister Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cedar-false-blister-beetle)