Epicauta atrata

(Fabricius, 1775)

red-headed blister beetle

Epicauta atrata, commonly known as the red-headed blister beetle, is a of blister beetle in the Meloidae. 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 crop 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 Epicauta 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 , yellow 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 Epicauta vittata, a related blister beetle that is a crop pest on the East Coast of North America.

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