Lytta cyanipennis

(LeConte, 1851)

Lytta cyanipennis is a blister beetle in the Meloidae, native to the Canadian prairies and western North America. form mixed with Lytta nuttalli near bodies of water during their mid-June to early July period. Like other Lytta , it possesses chemical defenses including cantharidins that can cause skin blistering. The species develops in moist soil conditions, with females depositing large batches averaging approximately 390 eggs.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lytta cyanipennis: /ˈlɪt.tə saɪˌænɪˈpɛn.nɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Lytta cyanipennis can be distinguished from the sympatric Lytta nuttalli by its more restricted period (mid-June to early July versus early June to early August for L. nuttalli). It occurs in mixed colonies with L. nuttalli in the Canadian prairies. Specific morphological diagnostic characters are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Canadian prairies, typically in near bodies of water. Requires moist, firm soil for oviposition. desiccate rapidly without moisture contact.

Distribution

North America: Canadian prairies (Alberta, British Columbia), western United States.

Seasonality

period from mid-June to early July.

Diet

Wild legumes constitute the natural food plants; prefers cultivated legumes when available.

Life Cycle

batches average 390 eggs. Embryological development requires approximately 2 to 3 weeks at temperatures of 15° to 30°C, typical of June through August conditions. Eggs develop uniformly across this temperature range.

Behavior

Forms mixed colonies with Lytta nuttalli. aggregate near water bodies. Females deposit multiple batches in moist soil.

Human Relevance

Like other blister beetles, possesses cantharidins that can cause skin blistering if handled roughly or crushed. Toxic to livestock if ingested in hay.

Similar Taxa

Lytta nuttalliSympatric in Canadian prairies with overlapping preferences; distinguished by earlier and longer period (early June to early August) and tendency to feed on some non-leguminous plants including Iris, Delphinium, Brassica, and cereal crops.
Lytta viridanaSympatric in Canadian prairies; distinguished by earlier period (late May to late June) and different batch size (averaging 340 eggs versus 390 for L. cyanipennis).

More Details

Oviposition behavior

Four L. nuttalli females were observed ovipositing in an area containing remains of leafcutter bee (Megachile sp.) nesting ; these represent the first recorded field observations of Lytta oviposition, suggesting possible similar in L. cyanipennis given their mixed colony formation.

Hybridization potential

Cross-mating between L. nuttalli and L. viridana and production of nuttalli-viridana hybrids has been observed in the field, indicating potential for similar interactions where L. cyanipennis occurs sympatrically with congenerics.