Lytta vulnerata cooperi
Cooper's Blister Beetle
Lytta vulnerata cooperi is a of blister beetle in the Meloidae, distinguished by its striking black and orange coloration. It was identified from specimens collected in Idaho Falls, Idaho, feeding on rabbit brush flowers. The subspecies is characterized by distinctly sculptured and an pronotum, separating it from the nominotypical form which occurs further south.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lytta vulnerata cooperi: /ˈlɪtə vʌlˈnɛrətə ˈkuːpəraɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the nominotypical Lytta vulnerata by distinctly sculptured (indistinctly sculptured in nominate ), pronotum without line or vitta (typically present in nominate subspecies), and more northerly distribution. The bold black and orange coloration is shared with the nominate form.
Habitat
Sand dune systems and associated vegetation; observed feeding on rabbit brush (Chrysothamnus sp.) flowers.
Distribution
Southeastern Idaho, specifically the Idaho Falls area on the Snake River Plain. The nominotypical occurs further south.
Diet
Feeding on flowers of rabbit brush (Chrysothamnus sp.) has been observed.
Similar Taxa
- Lytta vulnerata vulnerataNominotypical with indistinctly sculptured , pronotum typically with line or vitta, and more southerly distribution.