Epicauta immaculata
(Say, 1824)
immaculate meloid, Brown Blister Beetle
immaculata is a of in the , commonly known as the meloid or Blister Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta. Like other blister beetles, it possesses , a defensive compound that can cause skin irritation.
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Distribution
Central America and North America. GBIF records confirm presence in Middle America and North America.
Human Relevance
Like all ( ), E. immaculata contains , a toxic defensive compound that can cause skin blistering upon contact. This chemical defense serves as protection against but poses a handling hazard for humans and can be toxic to livestock if ingested.
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Taxonomic placement
immaculata is placed in the subgenus Macrobasis of Epicauta, distinguishing it from in the nominate subgenus Epicauta. The subgenus Macrobasis contains numerous species primarily distributed in western North America and adjacent regions.