Epicauta

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Epicauta: /ˌɛpɪˈkaʊtə/

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Summary

Epicauta is a large genus of beetles in the blister beetle family, Meloidae, with around 360 described species. They are distributed mostly across the New World and are known for their agricultural impacts and toxic properties.

Physical Characteristics

4‒18 mm in length; similar to Lytta, but with a hairy patch on underside of profemur and antennae nearly thread-like.

Identification Tips

For species identification, palpi, tibial spurs, or hind coxae may be needed; males generally provide better identification unless a unique color pattern or shape is present. Genitalia are of little to no use in identification.

Habitat

Diverse habitats throughout the New World; particularly abundant in the southwestern United States.

Distribution

Worldwide except Australia, New Zealand, and Madagascar; mostly diverse in North and Central America, particularly in northern Arizona, and less abundant in the Arctic and northern Canada.

Diet

Adults feed on plants; larvae are predators on the eggs of grasshoppers.

Life Cycle

The life cycle details are not specified, but the larvae are predatory on grasshopper eggs.

Ecosystem Role

Primarily parasitoids of grasshopper eggs; some species feed on the eggs of other Epicauta species.

Economic Impact

Many Epicauta species are known as agricultural pests that can damage crops and cause failures.

Health Concerns

Cantharidin produced by Epicauta is toxic and can be harmful, particularly to animals like horses if ingested.

Evolution

The genus Epicauta was first described in 1834 and is one of the largest in the blister beetle family.

Similar Taxa

• Lytta

Tags

• beetles
• Meloidae
• Epicauta
• agricultural pests
• toxic