Epicauta aspera
Werner, 1944
blister beetle
Epicauta aspera is a of blister beetle in the Meloidae, described by Werner in 1944. It occurs in North America and has been observed feeding on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed) in shortgrass prairie of Oklahoma. Like other Epicauta species, it possesses chemical defenses based on , a toxic terpenoid compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species is part of a diverse containing over 150 described species in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epicauta aspera: /ˌɛpɪˈkaʊtə ˈæspərə/
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Images
Habitat
Shortgrass prairie; observed on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) in gypsum-capped clay mesa and canyon .
Distribution
North America; confirmed from Oklahoma (Woodward County, Major County) based on field observations.
Seasonality
active in October; observed in early to mid-October in Oklahoma.
Diet
Feeding on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed); pollen and nectar consumption documented.
Host Associations
- Gutierrezia sarothrae - feedingbroom snakeweed flowers
Behavior
flower-visiting ; observed feeding on snakeweed flowers during daylight hours.
Ecological Role
Flower visitor and likely of Asteraceae; member of Müllerian mimicry complex with other aposematic beetles.
Human Relevance
Potential pest of forage crops like other Epicauta ; content poses risk to livestock if ingested in hay, though specific data for this species is not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Epicauta pensylvanicaSympatric also found on Gutierrezia sarothrae; distinguished by coloration and body form differences
- Epicauta stuartiAnother Oklahoma Epicauta found on same plant; E. stuarti has more contrasting black and orange pattern versus gray coloration of E. aspera
- Chauliognathus longifoliaSoldier beetle found in same and on same flowers; Cantharidae with similar flower-visiting but different body shape and texture
More Details
Taxonomic Authority
Epicauta aspera was described by Werner in 1944. The is placed in the nominate subgenus Epicauta (Epicauta).
Collection Records
The Entomology Research Museum at University of California, Riverside holds 130 specimens of E. aspera as of 2010, indicating it is a moderately well-collected .