Lytta

Fabricius, 1775

blister beetles

Species Guides

36

Lytta is a of blister beetles in the Meloidae, established by Fabricius in 1775. The genus comprises approximately 70 described in North America and over 100 species worldwide, making it one of the more diverse genera in its tribe. Species are distributed across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Members are known for producing , a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin.

Lytta aeneipennis by (c) Darin J McGuire, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Darin J McGuire. Used under a CC-BY license.Lytta mutilata by (c) Andrew Meeds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC-BY license.Lytta biguttata by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lytta: //ˈlɪtə//

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Distribution

North America (approximately 70 ), Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Specific collection records include Gansu Province, China (elevation 2225 m); San Luis Potosí, Mexico; and California, USA.

Human Relevance

Members of Lytta produce (C10H12O4), a potent defensive compound secreted through when threatened. Contact with human skin causes blistering. The European Lytta vesicatoria, known as 'Spanish fly,' has been historically extracted for cantharidin used in purported aphrodisiacs and traditional medicine. Documented cases include fatal poisonings from miscalculated doses and the application of Spanish fly to George Washington in 1799 as a medical treatment. Some species are agricultural pests causing damage to plants including Sophora japonica, willows, and poplars.

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