Epicauta atrata

(Fabricius, 1775)

red-headed blister beetle

atrata, commonly known as the red-headed , is a of blister beetle in the . It is distinguished by its red and entirely black body. The species occurs in Central America and North America, including the Canadian province of Manitoba. Like other Epicauta species, it produces , a defensive toxin. It has been documented attacking the of Epicauta vittata, a pest found on the East Coast of North America.

Epicauta atrata by (c) Diego Inclan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Diego Inclan. Used under a CC-BY license.Epicauta atrata by (c) Emily Geest, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily Geest. Used under a CC-BY license.Epicauta atrata by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Epicauta atrata: /ˌɛpɪˈkaʊtə əˈtrɑːtə/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar by the combination of a red and entirely black body. The specific epithet 'atrata' (meaning 'clothed in black') refers to this dark coloration. Other Epicauta species may show patterned , or orange markings, or different head coloration.

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Distribution

Central America and North America. Documented occurrences include the Canadian province of Manitoba.

Behavior

Has been observed attacking of vittata, a related that is a pest on the East Coast of North America.

Similar Taxa

  • Epicauta vittataA related whose are attacked by E. atrata; E. vittata is a pest found on the East Coast of North America and differs in coloration and .

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