Megetra vittata

(LeConte, 1853)

Megetra vittata is a blister beetle in the Meloidae, ranging from northern Arizona to western Texas. It is one of three recognized in the North American Megetra. The species produces , a defensive toxin that is dangerous to livestock when ingested. It appears to be strictly with and ecologically similar to M. punctata.

Megetra vittata by (c) Elliott Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elliott Gordon. Used under a CC-BY license.Megetra vittata by (c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bobby McCabe. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Megetra vittata: //məˈɡɛtrə vɪˈtɑːtə//

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Identification

Distinguished from by anatomical characters; specifically differs from M. cancellata (which ranges discontinuously from Arizona and New Mexico to Hidalgo, México) and from M. punctata (which ranges from southern Arizona and New Mexico to Durango, México) by distribution and subtle morphological differences. Intraspecific variation in adult characters has been analyzed taxonomically.

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Distribution

Northern Arizona to western Texas. Strictly with M. punctata.

Behavior

Strictly with M. punctata; ecologically similar to M. punctata. Additional behavioral notes on seasonal distribution, , and exist in the primary taxonomic literature but are not detailed in available excerpts.

Human Relevance

Like other blister beetles, M. vittata excretes , a toxic chemical that defends against . This toxin poses a serious risk to livestock, particularly horses, which can become ill or die after ingesting beetles that have been mixed into hay and feed.

Similar Taxa

  • Megetra cancellataRanges discontinuously from Arizona and New Mexico to Hidalgo, México; anatomically and ecologically distinctive from M. vittata
  • Megetra punctataRanges from southern Arizona and New Mexico to Durango, México; strictly with and ecologically similar to M. vittata

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