Epicauta parvula

Epicauta parvula is distinguished from other Epicauta species primarily by its small size, as indicated by its specific epithet. Accurate identification to species level within Epicauta generally requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters. The species may be confused with other small gray or dark-colored Epicauta species, particularly E. strigosa and E. pensylvanica. Specimens in museum collections (6 specimens at UCR Entomology Research Museum as of 2010) suggest it is less commonly encountered than many congeners.

North America. Specific range details are poorly documented, but the species is recorded from the United States. The type locality and precise distribution require further investigation.

As with other Epicauta species, adults likely function as generalist herbivores on flowering plants. The larvae are probably predators or parasitoids of grasshopper eggs, a common life history pattern in the genus.

Like all blister beetles, E. parvula contains cantharidin and should be handled with caution to avoid skin blistering. Its small size means it is unlikely to be a significant contaminant of hay crops compared to larger, more abundant species like E. pensylvanica or E. vittata.

• Epicauta strigosaSimilar small size and general body form; both are among the smaller species in the genus
• Epicauta pensylvanicaOverlaps in distribution and general appearance; E. pensylvanica is larger and more commonly encountered

• blister beetle
• cantharidin
• North America
• Epicauta
• Meloidae

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Meloidae Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
• What Puts the Blister Into Blister Beetles?
• Meloidae | Beetles In The Bush | Page 3
• Phocus on Phyllobrotica | Beetles In The Bush
• Bug Eric: A Beetle Mimicry Complex