Inflated-body
Guides
Cysteodemus
Desert Spider Beetles, inflated beetle, black bladder-bodied meloid
Cysteodemus is a genus of desert spider beetles in the family Meloidae, containing at least two described species: C. armatus (inflated beetle) and C. wislizeni (black bladder-bodied meloid). The genus is characterized by a highly inflated, bladder-like body form that gives these beetles their common names. Species are found in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Sexual behavior in Cysteodemus represents an intermediate condition between the two major subfamilies of blister beetles, featuring simple courtship, prolonged mating, and high female receptivity.
Cysteodemus wislizeni
black bladder-bodied meloid, black bladder-bodied blister beetle
Cysteodemus wislizeni, commonly known as the black bladder-bodied meloid or black bladder-bodied blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. The species is notable for its highly inflated, bladder-like body form that distinguishes it from most other meloids. It occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults have been observed feeding on flowers of Tribulus terrestris (puncture vine) and associated with Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade).