Lytta aenea

The bronze or brassy metallic elytra separate this species from most other Lytta species, which often exhibit blue, green, or striped coloration. The combination of metallic bronze coloration with eastern North American distribution helps distinguish it from western species like L. magister (which is larger and more robust with different coloration).

Adults have metallic bronze elytra that give the species its name. Body form is typical of blister beetles: soft-bodied with a somewhat elongated shape and a broad pronotum. The metallic coloration distinguishes it from many congeners.

Associated with flowering vegetation in open and semi-open habitats. Occurs in areas supporting its host plants, including woodland edges, meadows, and areas with Rosaceae shrubs and trees.

Eastern North America from Texas north to New England, extending west to the Great Plains. Records include Vermont and other northeastern states.

Adults feed primarily on flowers of Rosaceae. Additional documented food sources include willow (Salix), hickory (Carya), and oak (Quercus) flowers and foliage.

• Rosaceae - food sourceprimary host family
• Salix - food sourcewillow flowers
• Carya - food sourcehickory flowers
• Quercus - food sourceoak leaves

Like all blister beetles, contains cantharidin and can cause blistering if handled roughly. The chemical has historical medicinal uses, though this species is not specifically documented as a source. May occasionally be a minor pest in gardens or orchards when feeding on Rosaceae flowers.

• Lytta magisterWestern North American species with similar size and body form, but has black and orange/red coloration rather than metallic bronze.
• Lytta cyanipennisOverlapping distribution but has blue elytra with black apical markings rather than uniform bronze.
• Lytta nuttalliMay overlap in range but has green or blue-green metallic coloration rather than bronze.

• blister beetle
• metallic
• flower feeder
• Rosaceae

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon