Meloidae
Guides
Cissites auriculata
big-eared blister beetle
Cissites auriculata is one of two described species in the genus Cissites (family Meloidae), distinguished from the closely related C. maculata by constant morphological features including head shape, antennae length, thorax shape, first metatarsal segment length, and elytral coloration. Mitochondrial COI sequence divergence of 14.5% from C. maculata indicates ancient cladogenetic separation. The species is widely distributed in Central America and the Caribbean, with regional sympatry with C. maculata occurring in central Mexico. It has not colonized South America.
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).
Epicauta abadona
Sub-sutural Blister Beetle
Epicauta abadona is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with museum holdings documenting 48 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection. The species was described by Skinner in 1904 and belongs to the subgenus Epicauta (Epicauta). Like other members of the genus, it possesses the chemical defense compound cantharidin characteristic of blister beetles.
Epicauta alastor
Epicauta alastor is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, placed in the subgenus Macrobasis. The species was described by Skinner in 1904 and occurs in North America. Like other Epicauta species, it produces the defensive toxin cantharidin. The subgenus Macrobasis is characterized by males having serrate or pectinate antennae, distinguishing it from the nominate subgenus Epicauta.
Epicauta albida
Neck-lined Blister Beetle
Epicauta albida, commonly known as the Neck-lined Blister Beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It belongs to the Albida group, a distinct species group within Epicauta characterized by specific adult anatomical features. The species is found in Central America and North America, where adults are typically associated with flowering vegetation.
Epicauta alphonsii
Epicauta alphonsii is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1874. It is native to North America and belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous species often difficult to distinguish without close examination. Like other members of its family, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin. The species is represented by 265 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection, indicating it is relatively well-collected among North American Epicauta species.
Epicauta andersoni
Epicauta andersoni is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. The species belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous North American species known for producing the defensive compound cantharidin. Based on collection records from the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside, E. andersoni is represented by 85 adult specimens. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Epicauta arizonica
Epicauta arizonica is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. The species is assigned to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta. It is found in Central America and North America, with 326 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other Epicauta species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that causes blistering and is toxic to most vertebrates.
Epicauta aspera
blister beetle
Epicauta aspera is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Werner in 1944. It occurs in North America and has been observed feeding on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed) in shortgrass prairie habitats of Oklahoma. Like other Epicauta species, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species is part of a diverse genus containing over 150 described species in North America.
Epicauta atrata
red-headed blister beetle
Epicauta atrata, commonly known as the red-headed blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is distinguished by its red head and entirely black body. The species occurs in Central America and North America, including the Canadian province of Manitoba. Like other Epicauta species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin. It has been documented attacking the eggs of Epicauta vittata, a crop pest found on the East Coast of North America.
Epicauta atrivittata
Black-striped Blister Beetle
Epicauta atrivittata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, occurring in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound that is toxic to most vertebrates and causes blistering on contact with skin. The species is placed in the subgenus Macrobasis based on morphological characteristics.
Epicauta bispinosa
Epicauta bispinosa is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Werner in 1944. The species belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous species often difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. Like other Epicauta species, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin. The specific epithet 'bispinosa' refers to two spines, likely describing a diagnostic morphological feature of this species.
Epicauta brunnea
blister beetle
Epicauta brunnea is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound that is toxic to most vertebrates and causes blistering upon contact with skin.
Epicauta callosa
Spot-necked Epicauta
Epicauta callosa is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Spot-necked Epicauta. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it possesses the characteristic chemical defense of blister beetles: the ability to produce cantharidin, a potent irritant compound. The species was described by LeConte in 1866 and is represented in museum collections with moderate specimen numbers.
Epicauta caviceps
Epicauta caviceps is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1873. It belongs to the subgenus Epicauta (Epicauta) and is known from North America. The species is represented by 100 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection at the University of California, Riverside, indicating it is a documented but not exceptionally abundant species within its genus. Like other members of Epicauta, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin.
Epicauta cicatrix
Blister beetle
Epicauta cicatrix is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Werner in 1951. The genus Epicauta is one of the largest in the family and contains species known for producing cantharidin, a defensive chemical compound. This species is part of the North American fauna of Epicauta, a group that includes numerous species often associated with grassland and prairie habitats. Like other members of its genus, it likely possesses chemical defenses derived from cantharidin production.
Epicauta conferta
Red-cornered Blister Beetle
Epicauta conferta is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, distributed across Central and North America. It is commonly known as the Red-cornered Blister Beetle due to its distinctive red and black coloration. The species has been observed feeding on fallen fruits of gum bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum) and is attracted to ultraviolet light sources.
Epicauta cupraeola
Epicauta cupraeola is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, found across Central America and North America. As a member of the large genus Epicauta, it possesses the chemical defense characteristic of meloid beetles: cantharidin, a bitter, toxic terpenoid compound. The species was described by Dugès in 1869 and is represented by 209 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum's Meloidae holdings. Like other Epicauta species, adults are likely plant-feeders, though specific host associations for this species have not been documented.
Epicauta diversipubescens
Epicauta diversipubescens is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Maydell in 1934. As a member of the genus Epicauta, it belongs to a group known for producing cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound that causes blistering on skin and is toxic when ingested. The species is part of the subgenus Epicauta (Epicauta), one of the most species-rich lineages of blister beetles in North America. Specimens of this species are held in research collections, with 22 specimens documented in the Entomology Research Museum holdings as of 2010.
Epicauta fabricii
ashgray blister beetle
Epicauta fabricii, commonly known as the ashgray blister beetle, is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae. Adults feed on foliage of leguminous plants including honeylocust, black locust, alfalfa, sweet clover, wild indigo, soybean, and locoweed. Larvae are predatory, feeding on grasshopper eggs. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis.
Epicauta ferruginea
Rust-colored Beetle
Epicauta ferruginea is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, found in North America. As a member of the genus Epicauta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that causes blistering on contact with skin. The species is known from museum collections with substantial specimen holdings, indicating it is moderately common in its range.
Epicauta floridensis
Florida blister beetle
Epicauta floridensis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, endemic to the southeastern United States. As a member of the large genus Epicauta, it shares the family's characteristic production of cantharidin, a defensive toxin. The species was described by Werner in 1944 and is distinguished from related Epicauta species by features of its Florida distribution and morphology. Like other Epicauta species, adults are likely associated with flowering vegetation, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Epicauta gissleri
Epicauta gissleri is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to North America. It was described by Horn in 1878 and is currently classified within the subgenus Macrobasis of the genus Epicauta. The species is known from limited museum specimens and observations, with records indicating presence in western North American regions. As with other Epicauta species, it likely possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Epicauta heterodera
Epicauta heterodera is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1891. It belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous North American species. The species is known from North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented in collections though not among the most commonly encountered Epicauta species. Like other blister beetles, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin.
Epicauta hirsutipubescens
Texas Thin-lined Epicauta
Epicauta hirsutipubescens is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species was described by Maydell in 1934 and is classified in the subgenus Macrobasis of the genus Epicauta. Like other Epicauta species, it is expected to produce cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound that causes blistering and is toxic to most animals.
Epicauta lauta
Epicauta lauta is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1885. It belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within the genus Epicauta. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating substantial collections from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin.
Epicauta longicollis
Epicauta longicollis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that can cause blistering in humans and is toxic to livestock when ingested via contaminated hay. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta.
Epicauta maculata
spotted blister beetle
Epicauta maculata, commonly known as the spotted blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It belongs to the Epicauta maculata species group, a monophyletic clade comprising North American and South American species. The species is found in Central America and North America. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause skin blistering in humans and is toxic to livestock.
Epicauta maculifera
Epicauta maculifera is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Maydell in 1934. It belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within the large genus Epicauta. The species is found in North America. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin.
Epicauta magnomaculata
Epicauta magnomaculata is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Martin in 1932. The species is part of the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous species with difficult taxonomy. As with other Epicauta species, it likely possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin, a characteristic toxin of the family. The species name 'magnomaculata' (large-spotted) suggests distinctive maculation patterns, though specific details of its appearance require direct examination.
Epicauta murina
Dark Blister Beetle
Epicauta murina, the dark blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within the genus Epicauta.
Epicauta occidentalis
Epicauta occidentalis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. The species is endemic to North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it possesses defensive cantharidin, a toxic compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The specific epithet 'occidentalis' refers to its western distribution. The species is represented by 40 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection at the University of California, Riverside.
Epicauta ochrea
Ochre Beaded Blister Beetle
Epicauta ochrea is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Ochre Beaded Blister Beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is placed in the subgenus Macrobasis. It occurs across Central America and North America, with museum records indicating substantial collections from western regions. Like other Epicauta species, it likely produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering on contact with skin.
Epicauta parvula
little blister beetle
Epicauta parvula is a small species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous North American species that are often difficult to distinguish. The species was described by Haldeman in 1852 and is known from North America. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause skin irritation. The specific epithet 'parvula' (meaning 'very small') refers to its diminutive size relative to other Epicauta species.
Epicauta pensylvanica
black blister beetle, black aster bug
Epicauta pensylvanica is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the black blister beetle or black aster bug. The species is characterized by its predominantly black coloration and is known to contain the defensive compound cantharidin, which can cause skin blistering upon contact. Adults are typically found on flowers of plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). The species occurs across North America and has been documented as a pest of soybean foliage in agricultural settings.
Epicauta polingi
Poling's Two-toned Blister Beetle
Epicauta polingi is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. The species is placed in the subgenus Macrobasis, distinguishing it from many other Epicauta species. It is known from both Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating established populations in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other Epicauta species, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin.
Epicauta puncticollis
punctate blister beetle
Epicauta puncticollis, commonly known as the punctate blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in Central America and North America. As with other Epicauta species, it likely produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that causes blistering and is toxic to most vertebrates.
Epicauta rehni
Epicauta rehni is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Maydell in 1934. The species is part of the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous species that are often difficult to distinguish without detailed examination. Like other members of its genus, it is expected to possess chemical defenses based on cantharidin, a toxic compound characteristic of blister beetles.
Epicauta sanguinicollis
Epicauta sanguinicollis is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subgenus Epicauta. The species was described by LeConte in 1853. Like other members of its genus, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin, a toxic terpenoid compound. The specific epithet 'sanguinicollis' refers to blood-red coloration on the pronotum or 'neck' region. Museum holdings indicate it is represented by few specimens relative to more common congenerics, suggesting it may be naturally scarce or geographically restricted.
Epicauta straba
Epicauta straba is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1891. It is one of the most commonly collected Epicauta species in North American museum holdings, with 332 specimens documented in the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside. The species occurs across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus, it is expected to produce cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound characteristic of blister beetles.
Epicauta stuarti
Epicauta stuarti is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, characterized by a black and orange color pattern that participates in a Müllerian mimicry complex with soldier beetles (Cantharidae). The species is found in North America, with records from the southwestern United States including Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Adults have been observed on flowers of Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed) and are attracted to fermenting liquid baits in trapping studies. Like other Epicauta species, it produces cantharidin, a potent defensive chemical that causes blistering on skin and is toxic if ingested.
Epicauta subglabra
caragana blister beetle
Epicauta subglabra, commonly known as the caragana blister beetle, is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within the large genus Epicauta. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that causes blistering on contact with skin. The common name references its association with Caragana, a genus of leguminous shrubs.
Epicauta sublineata
Gray-headed Blister Beetle
Epicauta sublineata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is assigned to the subgenus Macrobasis within Epicauta. Like other blister beetles, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin.
Epicauta temexa
Epicauta temexa is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, described by Adams & Selander in 1979. It belongs to the subgenus Epicauta (Epicauta), a large and taxonomically challenging group of North American blister beetles. The species is recorded from Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating established populations in the region. Like other Epicauta species, it likely produces cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound characteristic of the family.
Epicauta tenebrosa
Epicauta tenebrosa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Werner in 1949. It belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous North and Central American species. Like other members of its genus, it possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin. The species is documented from both Central America and North America, though specific details of its biology remain limited in published literature.
Epicauta tenuilineata
Thin-lined Blister Beetle
Epicauta tenuilineata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Thin-lined Blister Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Epicauta, it belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis. The species was described by Horn in 1894.
Epicauta tenuis
Epicauta tenuis is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Meloinae, and tribe Epicautini. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1853 and is currently classified in the subgenus Macrobasis. It is one of approximately 150 described species in the large genus Epicauta, which is distributed primarily in the New World. The species is known from museum collections in North America, with specimens documented in the Entomology Research Museum at the University of California, Riverside.
Epicauta torsa
Twisted-horn Epicauta
Epicauta torsa is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae. The species belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis, characterized by distinctive antennal morphology. Like other Epicauta species, it produces the defensive compound cantharidin. The common name "Twisted-horn Epicauta" references its characteristic antennae.
Epicauta valida
Blister beetle
Epicauta valida is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. As a member of the subgenus Macrobasis, it belongs to a diverse group of meloid beetles known for their chemical defenses. The species is documented in entomological collections with 19 specimens held at the Entomology Research Museum as of 2010.
Epicauta ventralis
Dark-spotted Blister Beetle
Epicauta ventralis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1945. It belongs to the large genus Epicauta, which contains numerous North American species that are often difficult to distinguish. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive chemical compound. The species has been documented in the western portions of North America.
Epicauta wheeleri
Orange-necked Blister Beetle, ethereal beef weevil
Epicauta wheeleri is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, found in southwestern North America. It exhibits striking iridescence in desert sunlight and has pronounced body segmentation that resembles weevils, leading to the colloquial name "ethereal beef weevil" in southern Utah and Nevada. Despite this resemblance, it is not a true weevil. The species is often observed in and around cattle pastures.
Epicautini
Epicautini is a tribe of blister beetles (family Meloidae) established by Parker & Böving in 1924. The tribe includes the large genus Epicauta (approximately 400 species), which is distributed nearly worldwide except Australia and Antarctica, with greatest diversity in temperate and semi-arid regions of the Americas. Members are known agricultural pests, with some species causing significant crop damage. The genus Epicauta is particularly diverse in northern Arizona, USA.
Eupompha
Eupompha is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae) comprising approximately 14 described species distributed in arid regions of North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert plants, on which adults feed and aggregate in mating pairs. The genus belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, which includes other genera with similar desert-adapted ecologies.
Eupompha edmundsi
Eupompha edmundsi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Selander in 1953. It belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, a group of meloid beetles primarily associated with arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. The genus Eupompha is characterized by metallic coloration and association with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert plants. Like other members of its tribe, E. edmundsi likely exhibits the complex life history typical of blister beetles, with hypermetamorphic larvae that are parasitoids or predators of other insects.
Eupompha elegans
Elegant Blister Beetle
Eupompha elegans is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species comprises two recognized subspecies: Eupompha elegans elegans and Eupompha elegans perpulchra. Adults are known to feed on floral resources, with documented host associations including Chaenactis fremontii (Asteraceae) and Eschscholzia minutiflora (Papaveraceae) for the perpulchra subspecies. Like other meloid beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound.
Eupompha elegans elegans
Eupompha elegans elegans is a subspecies of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Eupomphini. It is one of two recognized subspecies within E. elegans, the other being E. e. perpulchra. The species is native to western North America. Adult beetles are known to feed on plant foliage and flowers. Like other meloids, larvae are likely hypermetamorphic, developing through distinct mobile and sedentary phases.
Eupompha elegans perpulchra
Eupompha elegans perpulchra is a subspecies of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Eupomphini. It is endemic to California, USA. Adults have been documented feeding on flowers of specific host plants in the Polemoniaceae family, including Eriastrum densifolium, Eriastrum sapphirinum, and Gilia tenuiflora. Mating behavior occurs on host flowers. The subspecies is represented by 930 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum holdings, indicating it is relatively well-collected and presumably common within its range.
Eupompha fissiceps
Cleft-headed Blister Beetle
Eupompha fissiceps is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the cleft-headed blister beetle. The species occurs in arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America. Adults have been observed feeding on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) flowers, often in mating aggregations. The specific epithet 'fissiceps' refers to a characteristic division or cleft in the head structure.
Eupompha imperialis
Eupompha imperialis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Wellman in 1912. The species is recorded from North America. As a member of the tribe Eupomphini, it belongs to a group of blister beetles known for their aposematic coloration and chemical defense. Museum collections hold 42 specimens of this species.
Eupompha schwarzi
Eupompha schwarzi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Wellman in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, a group of meloid beetles primarily associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert vegetation in arid regions of western North America. The genus Eupompha is characterized by aposematic coloration, often with metallic green or blue hues combined with orange or red markings. Like other blister beetles, E. schwarzi possesses cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes skin blistering.
Eupompha viridis
Green Blister Beetle
Eupompha viridis is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, first described by George Henry Horn in 1883. The species is known from North America, with records from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. Like other members of the genus Eupompha, it is associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) habitats. The specific epithet 'viridis' refers to the green coloration characteristic of this species. The genus Eupompha is part of the tribe Eupomphini, a group of blister beetles notable for their specialized host plant associations and often bright, aposematic coloration.
Eupompha wenzeli
Scintillating Poppy Blister Beetle
Eupompha wenzeli is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Skinner in 1904. It belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, a group of meloid beetles commonly associated with creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and other desert vegetation. The species occurs in arid regions of southwestern North America and Central America. Like other Eupompha species, adults are likely active during summer months when their host plants are in bloom.
Eupomphini
Eupomphini is a tribe of blister beetles (Meloidae) comprising approximately 7 genera and more than 20 described species. Members exhibit hypermetamorphosis, a complex developmental pattern involving dramatically different larval forms. The tribe includes notable genera such as Tegrodera (iron cross blister beetles) and Cysteodemus (desert spider beetles). Species are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of North America.
Gnathium
Gnathium is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed primarily in North America. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated, nectar-feeding mouthparts, which represent a distinctive adaptation within the family. The genus was established by Kirby in 1819.
Gnathium californicum
Gnathium californicum is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Gnathium, it possesses elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding from flowers with deep corollas. The species was described by Wickham in 1905.
Gnathium francilloni
Gnathium francilloni is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The genus Gnathium is characterized by elongated, filiform maxillary galeae adapted for nectar feeding on flowers with deep corollas. This species occurs in North America and is part of a genus whose members are among the smallest blister beetles.
Gnathium minimum
Brown-bordered Sunflower Blister Beetle
Gnathium minimum is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Brown-bordered Sunflower Blister Beetle. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated, nectar-feeding mouthparts. The species is found in Central America and North America, with records extending to Alberta, Canada.
Gnathium nitidum
Gnathium nitidum is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It was described by George Henry Horn in 1870. The species is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Gnathium, it possesses the characteristic elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers.
Hornia
Hornia is a genus of blister beetles (Meloidae: Nemognathinae) established by C.V. Riley in 1877. Species in this genus exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females being physogastric—the abdomen becomes greatly distended, an adaptation associated with reproductive biology. The genus is rarely collected and poorly known biologically, with most information derived from scattered historical records and limited laboratory observations.
Linsleya
Linsleya is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, established by MacSwain in 1951. The genus comprises approximately five described species distributed in North America. As with other meloid beetles, members of this genus possess the characteristic chemical defense of cantharidin production. The genus is divided into two subgenera: Linsleya (Linsleya) and Linsleya (Linsleyina).
Linsleya convexa
Linsleya convexa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subgenus Linsleya. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is native to western North America. It belongs to a genus of moderate-sized meloids associated with grassland and prairie habitats. Like other members of the Epicautini tribe, it possesses chemical defenses derived from cantharidin.
Linsleya sphaericollis
ash blister beetle
Linsleya sphaericollis, commonly known as the ash blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species belongs to the genus Linsleya, which is part of the tribe Epicautini. Like other blister beetles, it possesses cantharidin, a toxic compound that can cause blistering upon contact with skin.
Linsleya suavissima
Linsleya suavissima is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Wellman in 1910. It belongs to the subgenus Linsleya within the genus Linsleya and is part of the tribe Epicautini. The species occurs in both Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented by more than 25 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection. Like other members of the Meloidae, adults likely contain cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering.
Lycostomus sanguinipennis
Lycostomus sanguinipennis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The genus Lycostomus is a small group within the Nemognathinae, and this species is characterized by its red-winged appearance as indicated by the specific epithet "sanguinipennis" (blood-red wings). Members of this genus are associated with bee parasitism, though specific details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Lytta
blister beetles
Lytta is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, established by Fabricius in 1775. The genus comprises approximately 70 described species 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 cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin.
Lytta aeneipennis
Lytta aeneipennis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, occurring in North America. As a member of the genus Lytta, it produces cantharidin, a toxic chemical compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species was described by LeConte in 1851. Like other blister beetles, it serves as a chemical defense model in its ecosystem due to its potent defensive secretions.
Lytta arizonica
Lytta arizonica is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Selander in 1957. It is placed in the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is found in North America, with collection records indicating presence in the southwestern United States.
Lytta biguttata
Two-spotted Lytta
Lytta biguttata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, placed in the subgenus Paralytta. The species is found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America and Central America. Like other meloids, it possesses chemical defenses and has been observed on flowers of Asteraceae, including Cirsium and yellow composite flowers.
Lytta childi
Lytta childi is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, classified within the subgenus Poreospasta of the genus Lytta. The species was described by LeConte in 1857 and is known from western North America. Like other Lytta species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound toxic to vertebrates. The species is represented in museum collections with 126 specimens at the Entomology Research Museum, indicating it is moderately well-collected but not extensively studied in published literature.
Lytta cribrata
Diamond-head Lytta
Lytta cribrata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, placed in the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is found in Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is represented by 5 specimens in the University of California Entomology Research Museum collection.
Lytta crotchii
Crotch's Blister Beetle
Lytta crotchii is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, genus Lytta. It is named after the English entomologist George Robert Crotch. Like other members of the genus Lytta, this species produces cantharidin, a toxic compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species is part of the North American fauna of blister beetles.
Lytta cyanipennis
Lytta cyanipennis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to the Canadian prairies and western North America. Adults form mixed aggregations with Lytta nuttalli near bodies of water during their mid-June to early July flight period. Like other Lytta species, it possesses chemical defenses including cantharidins that can cause skin blistering. The species develops in moist soil conditions, with females depositing large egg batches averaging approximately 390 eggs.
Lytta deserticola
Lytta deserticola is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1870. It belongs to the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is found in Central America and North America, with museum holdings indicating it is represented by 37 specimens in the UCR Entomology Research Museum collection. As a member of Meloidae, it likely possesses the family's characteristic chemical defense system involving cantharidins.
Lytta funerea
Lytta funerea is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Fall in 1901. It belongs to the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is known from North America, with museum records indicating specimens have been collected in the southwestern United States. As a member of Meloidae, it possesses the family-characteristic chemical defense system involving cantharidin, a blistering compound. The specific epithet "funerea" suggests a dark or somber coloration typical of many Paralytta species.
Lytta hoppingi
Hopping's Blister Beetle
Lytta hoppingi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, placed in the subgenus Poreospasta. It was described by Wellman in 1912. The species is known from western North America. Like other members of the genus Lytta, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes skin blistering. The species is represented by 8 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection.
Lytta magister
desert blister beetle, master blister beetle
Lytta magister is a large, conspicuous blister beetle native to southwestern North America. Adults are readily identified by their striking aposematic coloration: bright red head, legs, and prothorax contrasting sharply with black elytra. The species is strongly associated with desert environments, where adults emerge in spring and are frequently observed in aggregations on flowers. Larvae are predatory or parasitic on ground-nesting bees, a common life history pattern in the family Meloidae. The species possesses chemical defenses typical of the family, including cantharidins that can cause blistering upon contact with skin.
Lytta melaena
Lytta melaena is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by LeConte in 1858. It belongs to the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is known from western North America. Like other members of its genus, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin.
Lytta mirifica
Anthony blister beetle
Lytta mirifica, commonly known as the Anthony blister beetle, is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It was described by Werner in 1950 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the large genus Lytta, which contains numerous blister beetle species characterized by their production of cantharidin, a toxic defensive compound. Like other members of its genus, L. mirifica is likely to exhibit the typical blister beetle life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis and association with bee nests, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Lytta mutilata
Lytta mutilata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1875. It is classified in the subgenus Adicolytta within the genus Lytta. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with museum holdings documenting 28 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection.
Lytta navajo
Lytta navajo is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1951. It is placed in the subgenus Poreospasta within the genus Lytta. The species is known from North America, with museum records indicating 29 specimens held in the UCR Entomology Research Museum collection. As a member of Meloidae, it possesses the family's characteristic chemical defense system involving cantharidins.
Lytta nuttalli
Nuttall's blister beetle
Lytta nuttalli is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. The specific epithet honors botanist Thomas Nuttall. Adults display brilliant purple and green iridescent coloration. This species is notable for its complex life cycle involving hypermetamorphosis, with larvae developing as parasitoids in the nests of solitary bees. Adults are gregarious feeders on legumes and can occasionally damage agricultural crops. Populations are naturally limited by their dependence on native ground-nesting bees for larval development.
Lytta rathvoni
Lytta rathvoni is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to North America. The species was named in honor of Simon Rathvon, a 19th-century American entomologist. As a member of the genus Lytta, it shares the characteristic chemical defense of blister beetles, producing cantharidin. The species is placed in the subgenus Poreospasta within Lytta.
Lytta reticulata
blister beetle
Lytta reticulata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1824. It is found in North America. The species belongs to the genus Lytta, which includes numerous blister beetles known for producing the defensive compound cantharidin. Field observations indicate adults are active during spring and early summer, with records from May through June in southwestern U.S. habitats.
Lytta sayi
Say's Blister Beetle, Say blister beetle
Lytta sayi is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, this species produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that causes blistering upon contact with skin. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is placed in the subgenus Pomphopoea.
Lytta stygica
Green Blister Beetle
Lytta stygica is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, placed in the subgenus Poreospasta. It is found in North America, with records extending to British Columbia, Canada. The species is known by the common name Green Blister Beetle and is represented by substantial museum collections, with over 500 specimens documented in the Entomology Research Museum holdings.
Lytta sublaevis
Lytta sublaevis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is found in North America. The species was described by Horn in 1868 and belongs to the genus Lytta, which contains numerous species of cantharidin-producing beetles. Like other members of its genus, it possesses chemical defenses that can cause skin irritation in humans.
Lytta tenebrosa
Lytta tenebrosa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. It is placed in the subgenus Paralytta within the genus Lytta. The species is known from North America, with 92 specimens documented in the Entomology Research Museum collection. Like other members of its genus, it possesses chemical defenses including cantharidins.
Lytta viridana
Viridescent Blister Beetle
Lytta viridana is a North American blister beetle in the family Meloidae, occurring in mixed colonies with congeners in the Canadian prairies and western North America. Adults are active from late May to late June, feeding primarily on wild and cultivated legumes with occasional consumption of non-leguminous plants including cereals and sugar beets. The species exhibits complex reproductive behavior including multiple matings, multiple egg batches per female, and documented hybridization with L. nuttalli. Embryological development is well-studied, with eggs requiring moist soil conditions and completing development in 2-3 weeks at typical summer temperatures.
Lytta vulnerata cooperi
Cooper's Blister Beetle
Lytta vulnerata cooperi is a subspecies of blister beetle in the family 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 elytra and an immaculate pronotum, separating it from the nominotypical form which occurs further south.
Megetra cancellata
Megetra cancellata is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) and one of three recognized species in the North American genus Megetra. It is considered the most anatomically and ecologically distinctive species in the genus. The species exhibits a discontinuous distribution across the southwestern United States and Mexico, occurring in limited sympatry with its congeners M. vittata and M. punctata. Two subspecies are recognized: M. c. cancellata and M. c. hoegei.
Megetra punctata
Megetra punctata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Selander in 1965. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Megetra, it exhibits aposematic coloration warning of its chemical defenses.
Megetra vittata
Megetra vittata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, ranging from northern Arizona to western Texas. It is one of three recognized species in the North American genus Megetra. The species produces cantharidin, a defensive toxin that is dangerous to livestock when ingested. It appears to be strictly allopatric with and ecologically similar to M. punctata.
Meloe angusticollis
short-winged blister beetle, oil beetle
Meloe angusticollis is a North American blister beetle known for its short elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed. Adults release cantharidin-laden hemolymph as a chemical defense, which causes skin blistering in humans. The species exhibits hypermetamorphosis, with mobile first-instar larvae (triungulins) that parasitize solitary bees by hitchhiking to nest sites. Females are notably larger than males, reaching up to 19 mm.
Meloe barbarus
oil beetle
Meloe barbarus is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1861. It belongs to the subgenus Treiodous within the genus Meloe. The species is found in North America, with collection records from western regions including British Columbia, Canada. Like other oil beetles in the genus Meloe, it possesses defensive chemical compounds and exhibits complex life history traits involving parasitism of ground-nesting bees.
Meloe carbonaceus
oil beetle
Meloe carbonaceus is a species of blister beetle (family Meloidae) described by LeConte in 1866. The species is known from North America, with records from Alberta, Canada. Like other members of the genus Meloe, it is commonly referred to as an oil beetle. The species is represented by limited specimen holdings in museum collections.
Meloe dianella
Meloe dianella is a species of blister beetle (family Meloidae) first described by Pinto and Selander in 1970. It belongs to the genus Meloe, commonly known as oil beetles, which are characterized by their defensive production of cantharidins. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia). Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have a parasitic life cycle involving solitary bees, though specific details for this species remain undocumented.
Meloe dugesi
Meloe dugesi is a species of blister beetle (family Meloidae) described by Champion in 1891. It belongs to the genus Meloe, commonly known as oil beetles, which are characterized by their defensive production of cantharidins. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits the typical Meloe life cycle involving triungulin larvae that parasitize solitary bees.
Meloe franciscanus
Meloe franciscanus is a blister beetle endemic to the southwestern United States. Adults are flightless and feed on Astragalus lentiginosus. The species is notable for its highly specialized larval parasitism of solitary bees in the genus Habropoda. First described from San Francisco dunes in 1928, the species was presumed locally extirpated there due to habitat loss but persists in other regions.
Meloe impressus
blister beetle, oil beetle
Meloe impressus is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus commonly known as oil beetles, characterized by their defensive secretion of cantharidin, a potent blistering agent. The species is recorded across western and central Canada and the United States. Like other Meloe species, it likely exhibits the complex life history involving parasitic larvae that exploit solitary bees as hosts, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Nemognatha
Nemognatha is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae) containing at least 20 described species. Adults are distinguished by greatly elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding from flowers with deep corollas. The genus exhibits specialized reproductive biology: females serve as vectors for first-instar larvae, transporting them to host nests of bees where they develop as parasites. This phoretic transport mechanism and nest parasitism represent distinctive life history traits within the Meloidae.
Nemognatha bifoveata
Beebalm Blister Beetle
Nemognatha bifoveata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It is found in North America. The species belongs to a genus characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on flowers with deep corollas. The specific epithet 'bifoveata' refers to two foveae (depressions or pits), likely a diagnostic morphological feature. The species was described by W.R. Enns in his 1956 revision of North American Nemognathinae.
Nemognatha cantharidis
Nemognatha cantharidis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by MacSwain in 1951. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species occurs in Central America and North America.
Nemognatha lurida
Nemognatha lurida is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The species occurs in Central and North America, with two recognized subspecies: N. l. lurida and N. l. apicalis. Like other members of the genus, it possesses elongated maxillary structures adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species is represented by 172 specimens in the UCR Entomology Research Museum collection.
Nemognatha macswaini
Nemognatha macswaini is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It was described by W.R. Enns in 1956. The species is found in North America and is part of a genus characterized by elongated, nectar-feeding mouthparts adapted to flowers with deep corollas. Like other Nemognatha species, it likely feeds on pollen and nectar as an adult.
Nemognatha nemorensis
Eastern Black-headed Nemognatha
Nemognatha nemorensis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Eastern Black-headed Nemognatha. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States (Vermont and broader eastern regions). The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are known to develop in the nests of solitary bees, though specific life history details for this species are limited in available sources.
Nemognatha nigripennis
Nemognatha nigripennis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, characterized by elongated maxillae adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, adults are typically found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar using their specialized mouthparts.
Nemognatha nitidula
blister beetle
Nemognatha nitidula is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Enns in 1956. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species is found in North America and is part of a genus known for its distinctive floral associations and capillary-based nectar uptake rather than true sucking mouthparts.
Nemognatha piazata
Orange Blister Beetle
Nemognatha piazata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Orange Blister Beetle. It is native to North America and belongs to the distinctive subfamily Nemognathinae, whose members possess elongated mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species was described by Fabricius in 1798 and includes three recognized subspecies: N. p. piazata, N. p. bicolor, and N. p. palliata.
Nemognatha piazata bicolor
Nemognatha piazata bicolor is a subspecies of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to North America. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, characterized by adults with greatly elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on nectar from deep-corolla flowers. The species is part of a genus notable for its specialized nectar-feeding morphology that functions through capillary action rather than true sucking.
Nemognatha punctulata
Nemognatha punctulata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. Like other members of its genus, it possesses elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species is found in North America. It belongs to a group of meloid beetles whose nectar-feeding mechanism involves capillary action rather than true sucking.
Nemognatha scutellaris
blister beetle
Nemognatha scutellaris is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to North America. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group distinguished by elongated adult mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species is among the more frequently collected members of its genus, with approximately 450 specimens held in the Entomology Research Museum collection. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, it exhibits specialized feeding adaptations involving capillary action rather than true sucking mouthparts.
Nemognatha selanderi
Nemognatha selanderi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Enns in 1956. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated adult mouthparts adapted for feeding on flowers. The species is known from North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely possesses the distinctive elongated maxillae that enable nectar feeding from deep corolla flowers.
Nemognatha soror
Nemognatha soror is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by MacSwain in 1951. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group distinguished by greatly elongated adult mouthparts adapted for feeding on flowers. The species is found in North America, with records from British Columbia.
Nemognatha sparsa
Nemognatha sparsa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1868. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, which is characterized by elongated adult mouthparts adapted for feeding on flowers. The species is known from North America, with specimen records from museum collections in the western United States.
Nemognathinae
blister beetles
Nemognathinae is a subfamily of blister beetles (Meloidae) characterized by highly modified adult mouthparts, with elongated maxillae adapted for feeding on nectar from deep-corolla flowers. The subfamily contains approximately 8 genera and at least 80-120 described species globally, distributed across all continents except New Zealand, eastern Polynesian Islands, and Antarctica. Members exhibit diverse morphological adaptations including sexually dimorphic antennae in some taxa, abbreviated elytra, and reduced hind wings in certain genera. The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Nemognathini, Horiini, Cissitini, Leptopalpini, and Stenoriini.
Phodaga marmorata
Phodaga marmorata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Eupomphini. The species is characterized by its marbled or mottled coloration, as indicated by its specific epithet. It occurs in both Central and North America. Like other members of Meloidae, it possesses chemical defenses including cantharidin, a toxic compound that provides protection against predators.
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydidOrthopteraTettigoniidaedesertsouthwestern-United-Statesnocturnalbrachypterouskatydidinsectarid-habitatyucca-associationsummer-activitywhite-markingslarge-body-sizePlagiostiriniTettigoniinaeNew-MexicoArizonaUtahwest-Texassand-dunesdesert-scrubcrepuscularlimited-flightScudder-1876Plagiostira-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldbackEnsiferaTettigoniideaTettigonioideaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaMetazoagrasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydidsPlagiostira28-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyWikipediaBeetles-In-The-Bush2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-TripTed-C.-MacRaeJeff-HuetherJune-2–9,-2018southeastern-New-MexicoMescalero-Sand-DunesKermit,-TexasHwy-380San-AntonioBinghamSandia-MountainsWalking-Sands-Rest-AreaValley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-AreaSierra-Blanca-MountainsSunset,-New-MexicoHobbs,-New-MexicoKermit-Sand-DunesI-10-Rest-AreaFabens,-TexasCarlsbad,-New-MexicoLoco-Hills,-New-MexicoCarrizozo,-New-MexicoBingham,-New-MexicoSocorro,-New-MexicoThe-BoxyuccaProsopis-glandulosamesquiteOpuntia-imbricatachollaJuniperus-monospermajuniperSapindus-drummondiisoapberryAcacia-greggiicatclaw-acaciaAcacia-rigidablack-acaciaThelespermaDaleaPenstemonRobiniaCeltisGaillardiaOenetheraBaccharisSphaeralceaEphedraCacamacactus-dodger-cicadaTragidion-armatumPrionus-arenariusPrionus-palparisPrionus-integerPolyphyllaMoneilemacactus-beetleGyascutusAcmaeoderaChrysobothrisAgrilusEnoclerusActenodesParatyndarisAcmaeoderopsisBrachysNeoclytusCleridaeCerambycidaeBuprestidaeScarabaeidaeCarabidaeTenebrionidaeMeloidaeCoreidaePompilidaetarantula-hawkCicindelidaeCylindera-lemniscatatiger-beetleLycaenidaeBrephidium-exiliswestern-pygmy-blueEchinargus-isolaReakirt's-blueshieldbackdesert-insectnocturnal-insectbrachypterous-insectsummer-insectarid-land-insectyucca-associated-insectNew-Mexico-insectArizona-insectUtah-insectTexas-insectsouthwestern-US-insectNorth-American-insectNearctic-insectTettigoniidae-insectOrthoptera-insectEnsifera-insectTettigoniinae-insectPlagiostirini-insectPlagiostira-insectP.-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldback-katydidgiant-katydidlarge-katydiddesert-katydidsand-dune-katydidyucca-katydidnocturnal-katydidbrachypterous-katydidsummer-katydidScudder's-katydid1876-katydidOrthopterankatydid-speciesshieldback-speciesTettigoniidae-speciesPlagiostira-speciesdesert-speciesarid-speciesnocturnal-speciesbrachypterous-speciessummer-speciesNew-Mexico-speciesArizona-speciesUtah-speciesTexas-speciessouthwestern-US-speciesNorth-American-speciesNearctic-speciesPleuropasta
Pleuropasta is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae) established by Wellman in 1909. The genus contains at least two described species: P. mirabilis (Horn, 1870) and P. reticulata (Van Dyke, 1947). These beetles belong to the tribe Eupomphini within the subfamily Meloinae. Members of this genus are found in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, particularly in association with desert and scrubland habitats.
Pleuropasta mirabilis
Pleuropasta mirabilis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species belongs to the tribe Eupomphini, a group of meloid beetles characterized by aposematic coloration and chemical defenses. It occurs in both Central America and North America. The genus Pleuropasta contains at least two recognized species, with P. mirabilis being the more widespread and well-collected of the two.
Pleuropasta reticulata
Pleuropasta reticulata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Van Dyke in 1947. The species is found in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the tribe Eupomphini, it belongs to a group of meloid beetles characterized by aposematic coloration and chemical defenses. The specific epithet 'reticulata' refers to a net-like or reticulated pattern, likely describing the elytral markings. Field observations indicate adults are active during warmer months and may be found in association with flowering plants.
Pseudozonitis
Pseudozonitis is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae) established by Dillon in 1952. The genus contains approximately 17 described species distributed primarily in North America. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, species in this genus are characterized by elongated, filamentous maxillae adapted for feeding on nectar from flowers with deep corollas. The genus is closely related to Nemognatha and Zonitis, forming part of a species group within the tribe Nemognathini.
Pseudozonitis brevis
Pseudozonitis brevis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. Described by Enns in 1956, it is one of approximately 10 recognized species in the genus Pseudozonitis, which is restricted to the New World. The species is known from North America, with museum holdings indicating established populations in the region. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults likely possess elongated maxillary structures adapted for nectar feeding on flowers.
Pseudozonitis florida
Pseudozonitis florida is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The genus Pseudozonitis was established by Enns (1956) in his revision of North American Nemognathinae, distinguishing it from the related genera Nemognatha and Zonitis based on morphological characters. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults likely possess elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on floral nectar. The species epithet "florida" suggests a geographic association with Florida, though specific distribution records are sparse.
Pseudozonitis labialis
Twin-spotted Pseudozonitis
Pseudozonitis labialis is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) described by Enns in 1956. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species is known from North America and is one of several species in the genus Pseudozonitis, which was established by Enns in his 1956 revision of the nemognathine genera Nemognatha, Zonitis, and Pseudozonitis.
Pseudozonitis longicornis
Pseudozonitis longicornis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It was described by Horn in 1870. The species is known from North America and is part of the genus Pseudozonitis, which contains approximately 12 described species. Like other meloid beetles, it likely possesses chemical defenses derived from cantharidin or related compounds.
Pseudozonitis pallidus
Pseudozonitis pallidus is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, described by Dillon in 1952. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species occurs in North America. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults likely feed on floral resources, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis
Pseudozonitis roseomaculatis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Dillon in 1952. As a member of the subfamily Nemognathinae, it possesses the characteristic elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on nectar from deep-corded flowers. The species is known from North America, though specific details regarding its biology, host associations, and habitat preferences remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Pseudozonitis schaefferi
Pseudozonitis schaefferi is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Blatchley in 1922. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The genus Pseudozonitis comprises approximately 14 described species in North America, with P. schaefferi being one of the less commonly encountered members. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults are likely associated with flowers for feeding, while larvae are probably parasitoids or predators of bee eggs and provisions in nest cells.
Pseudozonitis vaurieae
Pseudozonitis vaurieae is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Enns in 1956. It is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Nemognathinae subfamily, it possesses the characteristic elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species is part of a genus that was revised by Enns in 1956, who proposed the genus Pseudozonitis to accommodate species previously placed in related genera.
Pseudozonitis vigilans
Pseudozonitis vigilans is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It was described by Fall in 1907. The species is native to North America and belongs to a genus characterized by elongated mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar.
Pseudozonitis vittipennis
Pseudozonitis vittipennis is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) in the subfamily Nemognathinae, described by Horn in 1875. It is one of approximately 12 species in the genus Pseudozonitis, a New World group characterized by elongated maxillae adapted for nectar feeding. The species is known from western North America, with records from the southwestern United States. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults are flower visitors and larvae are parasitoids or predators of other insects.
Pyrota
Pyrota is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, comprising at least 30 described species. The genus is characterized by complex and highly distinctive courtship behavior involving prolonged physical contact between sexes. Males alternate between mounting above females for dorsal acts (palpation, dorsal antennation, rocking) and positioning behind them for posterior acts (leg grasp, palpal insertion beneath elytra, lifting female body, posterior antennation, abdominal curvature and stroke, genital hold). Adults exhibit little aggressive behavior and copulate in a linear position for extended periods with abdominal pumping by the male. Some species show extreme size dimorphism between mating individuals.
Pyrota bilineata
Pyrota bilineata is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) distributed across western North America. The species exhibits extreme sexual size dimorphism, with males frequently less than half the size of females. Adults are diurnal and commonly observed feeding and mating on flowers of yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) and related Asteraceae. Like other meloids, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that renders it unpalatable to predators.
Pyrota concinna
Pyrota concinna is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species has been observed visiting flowers of Isocoma pluriflora (southern goldenbush) in saltbush chaparral habitats in southeastern New Mexico. As a member of the tribe Pyrotini, it exhibits the typical blister beetle defensive chemistry and soft-bodied adult form characteristic of the family.
Pyrota discoidea
Winecup Pyrota
Pyrota discoidea is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, commonly known as the Winecup Pyrota. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it likely exhibits the typical meloid body plan with soft, flexible elytra and aposematic coloration that serves as warning for its chemical defenses.
Pyrota engelmanni
Pyrota engelmanni is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1847. It is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it is likely associated with flowers and exhibits the typical meloid body plan with soft, flexible elytra. The species is represented in museum collections by very few specimens, suggesting it may be uncommon or locally distributed.
Pyrota fasciata
Pyrota fasciata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Selander in 1963. Adults measure 10–21 mm in length, with most specimens below 15 mm. The species is distinguished from congeners by its uniform background shell coloration, contrasting with the two-toned background of Pyrota punctata. It occurs in Central America and North America, with 158 iNaturalist observations documented.
Pyrota insulata
Yellow-crescent Blister Beetle
Pyrota insulata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, recognized by the common name yellow-crescent blister beetle. Adults reach approximately 2 cm in length and possess the chemical defense typical of meloids: cantharidin, a skin-irritating compound that causes blistering on contact with human skin. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Pyrota invita
Pyrota invita is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by George Henry Horn in 1885. The species is found in North America and belongs to the tribe Pyrotini, a group characterized by aposematic coloration and the production of cantharidin, a toxic defensive compound. As with other Pyrota species, it exhibits the typical meloid body plan with soft, flexible elytra and thread-like antennae.
Pyrota limbalis
Pyrota limbalis is a species of blister beetle (family Meloidae) in the tribe Pyrotini. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to a group of meloid beetles characterized by aposematic coloration and association with flowers. The species name 'limbalis' refers to marginal features, likely of the elytra or pronotum. It is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Pyrota, which occurs primarily in the Americas.
Pyrota lineata
Yellow-lined Pyrota
Pyrota lineata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Pyrotini. It is characterized by yellow longitudinal stripes on dark elytra and is found in western North America. The species is documented in museum collections and has been observed in multiple localities. Like other Pyrota species, it exhibits the typical meloid soft-bodied form and elytra that do not fully cover the abdomen.
Pyrota mutata
Pyrota mutata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Pyrotini. The species was historically known as Pyrota germari, but this synonymy has been rejected and P. mutata is now the accepted name. As a member of the blister beetle family, it possesses the characteristic chemical defense system based on cantharidin. The genus Pyrota is distributed in the Americas, with species recorded from both North and South America.
Pyrota mylabrina
Pyrota mylabrina is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, distributed across Central America and North America. The species was described by Chevrolat in 1834. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it is characterized by aposematic coloration, typically featuring orange or yellow and black patterns that serve as warning signals for its chemical defenses. The genus is known for pronounced sexual size dimorphism in some species, with males often considerably smaller than females.
Pyrota nigrovittata
Side-spoted Pyrota
Pyrota nigrovittata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Selander. The species epithet refers to the black longitudinal stripes (nigro- = black, vittata = banded/striped) characteristic of many Pyrota species. As a member of the tribe Pyrotini, it shares the general morphology of the genus: soft-bodied, elongate beetles with thread-like antennae and often striking color patterns that may serve aposematic functions. The genus Pyrota exhibits notable size variability among individuals, with some species showing extreme sexual size dimorphism during mating aggregations.
Pyrota obliquefascia
Pyrota obliquefascia is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Pyrotini. The genus Pyrota includes approximately 30 species distributed primarily in North and Central America, with many species exhibiting bright aposematic coloration. Members of this genus are known for extreme size variability between sexes and the production of cantharidin, a toxic defensive compound. The specific epithet 'obliquefascia' refers to an oblique band or stripe pattern on the elytra.
Pyrota perversa
Pyrota perversa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it likely exhibits aposematic coloration and possesses chemical defenses based on cantharidin, a toxic compound characteristic of the family. The species was described by Dillon in 1952. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented in published sources.
Pyrota plagiata
Pyrota plagiata is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Pyrotini. The species was described by Haag-Rutenberg in 1880. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other Pyrota species, it likely exhibits aposematic coloration typical of the genus. Museum records indicate substantial specimen holdings (106 specimens at the Entomology Research Museum, UC Riverside), suggesting it is not uncommon within its range.
Pyrota riherdi
Pyrota riherdi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, tribe Pyrotini. It was described by Dillon in 1952. The genus Pyrota comprises approximately 40 species distributed primarily in North and Central America, with most species occurring in arid and semi-arid regions. Members of this genus are characterized by their often striking color patterns, typically involving orange or reddish elytra with contrasting dark markings. Like other meloid beetles, Pyrota species are known for their production of cantharidin, a toxic defensive compound.
Pyrota sinuata
Pyrota sinuata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Olivier in 1795. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it is found in North America. The genus Pyrota is characterized by distinctive color patterns often involving orange, black, and white markings, and species within this genus are known to feed on flowers of Asteraceae. As with all meloid beetles, P. sinuata produces cantharidin, a toxic defensive compound that deters predators.
Pyrota tenuicostatis
red-margined blister beetle, red-margined Pyrota
Pyrota tenuicostatis, commonly known as the red-margined blister beetle, is a species in the family Meloidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. As a blister beetle, it possesses the defensive compound cantharidin, a trait characteristic of the family.
Pyrota trochanterica
Arizona Trochanter Blister Beetle
Pyrota trochanterica is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, native to the southwestern United States. The species exhibits two recognized subspecies: the nominate P. t. trochanterica and P. t. werneri. Like other members of the genus Pyrota, it possesses aposematic coloration warning of its chemical defenses. The species is known to aggregate on flowers, particularly yellow-flowered shrubs, where mating occurs.
Rhyphonemognatha
Rhyphonemognatha is a monotypic genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, established by Enns in 1956. The genus contains a single described species, Rhyphonemognatha rufa (LeConte, 1856). These beetles belong to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by specialized larval biology involving parasitism or predation on bees and their nests.
Rhyphonemognatha rufa
Rose-winged Blister Beetle
Rhyphonemognatha rufa is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. It is commonly known as the Rose-winged Blister Beetle. The species occurs in the Americas, with records from North America, Middle America, and South America. Like other nemognathine blister beetles, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen. The genus Rhyphonemognatha is distinguished by its elongated rostrum and is closely related to Nemognatha and Zonitis.
Spastonyx
Spastonyx is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae) established by Selander in 1954. The genus contains at least two described species: Spastonyx macswaini (Selander, 1954) and Spastonyx nemognathoides (Horn, 1870). Species in this genus have been documented in North America, with S. nemognathoides recorded from both the United States and Mexico. The genus is placed in the subfamily Meloinae.
Tegrodera
iron cross blister beetles, iron cross soldier beetles, soldier blister beetles
Tegrodera is a North American genus of large, colorful blister beetles in the family Meloidae, comprising three allopatric species. The genus is confined to arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern North America, with each species occupying distinct geographic ranges separated by major desert barriers. Adults are conspicuous and often form immense feeding and mating aggregations. All species contain cantharidin, a defensive compound toxic to mammals. The genus is notable for unique male courtship behavior involving antennal grasping and stimulation.
Tegrodera aloga
iron cross blister beetle
Tegrodera aloga is a large, conspicuous blister beetle endemic to the Sonoran Desert. Adults are easily recognized by their black bodies with contrasting yellow and red spots and a distinctive black cross pattern on the elytra. The species is notable for its aposematic coloration, which advertises the presence of cantharidin toxins used for defense. Adults feed on spring blossoms and occur in large aggregations during mating and feeding. The species poses a documented risk to livestock, particularly horses, when contaminated alfalfa hay is ingested.
Tegrodera erosa erosa
Iron Cross Beetle
Tegrodera erosa erosa is a blister beetle (family Meloidae) endemic to southwestern North America. This large, colorful beetle occurs in dry valleys and hills of cismontane southern California and south into Baja California. Adults are active primarily in late spring and early summer, often forming immense feeding and mating aggregations. The subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form T. erosa inornata by its patterned elytra. Like other meloids, it contains cantharidin in its hemolymph, a compound toxic to mammals. The species is undergoing habitat retrenchment in southern California due to urban development.
Tegrodera erosa inornata
Tegrodera erosa inornata is a subspecies of blister beetle endemic to cismontane southern California and Baja California. It is one of three subspecies within the T. erosa species complex, distinguished from the nominate subspecies by reduced or absent elytral markings. Like all Tegrodera species, it contains cantharidin in its hemolymph and has been associated with livestock toxicity concerns when present in alfalfa hay. The subspecies is currently considered to be undergoing range retrenchment due to urban development.
Tegrodera latecincta
Soldier Blister Beetle, Iron Cross Blister Beetle
Tegrodera latecincta is a large, colorful blister beetle endemic to the Owens and Antelope valleys of eastern California. As the northernmost species in the genus Tegrodera, it is geographically isolated from its closest relative T. erosa by the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, and from T. aloga by the Mojave Desert. Adults are active in late spring and early summer, often forming conspicuous feeding and mating aggregations. Like other meloid beetles, it possesses cantharidin in its hemolymph for chemical defense.
Tetraonyx fulva
Globemallow Blister Beetle
Tetraonyx fulva is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by LeConte in 1853. It is commonly known as the Globemallow Blister Beetle. The species occurs in North America and is part of the subfamily Tetraonycinae, a group characterized by specialized morphological features including tarsal modifications. Like other meloid beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause skin blistering.
Tricrania
Tricrania is a genus of Nearctic blister beetles (Meloidae: Nemognathinae) containing at least three described species, including T. sanguinipennis and T. stansburyi. These beetles are obligate cleptoparasites of solitary bees, with highly modified life cycles involving hypermetamorphosis and flightless adults. The genus is notable for its specialized larval stages that exploit bee nest aggregations.
Tricrania stansburyi
Stansbury's Blister Beetle
Tricrania stansburyi is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is a cleptoparasite of solitary bees, specifically known to parasitize the mason bee Osmia lignaria propinqua. The species exhibits hypermetamorphosis, with triungulin larvae attaching to host bees to gain entry to nest cells. It is found in North America and is one of at least two species in the genus Tricrania.
Zonitis
Zonitis is a genus of blister beetles in the family Meloidae, established by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. The genus belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, a group characterized by elongated, nectar-feeding mouthparts. Species of Zonitis are found in North America, with records from the southwestern United States and adjacent regions. Adults have been observed on flowers of various composite plants, particularly in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Zonitis bilineata
Zonitis bilineata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1817. It is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States (Vermont). The species belongs to the genus Zonitis, which comprises small to medium-sized blister beetles. Like other meloids, it possesses chemical defenses and has larvae that are parasitic or predatory on other insects.
Zonitis cribricollis
Zonitis cribricollis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1853 and is known from North America. As a member of Nemognathinae, adults likely possess elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The species name 'cribricollis' refers to a punctured or sieve-like collar (pronotum).
Zonitis dunniana
Zonitis dunniana is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Champion in 1891. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from the southwestern United States including Arizona and New Mexico. The species has been collected on flowers of Isocoma tenuisecta (burroweed) and Hymenothrix wislizeni, suggesting an association with blooming composites in arid habitats. It is one of approximately 15 species in the genus Zonitis occurring in the New World.
Zonitis interpretis
Zonitis interpretis is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, described by Enns in 1956. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, which is characterized by elongated adult mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers. The species is known to occur in North America. Like other members of its genus, adults likely visit flowers for feeding, while larvae are probably parasitoids of grasshopper egg pods, following the typical life history pattern for Nemognathinae.
Zonitis perforata
Zonitis perforata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Casey in 1891. The species is known from North America and belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, which is characterized by elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. Like other members of the genus Zonitis, it is likely associated with flowers of composite plants (Asteraceae), though specific host records for this species are limited.
Zonitis punctipennis
Zonitis punctipennis is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1880 and is known from North America. Like other members of the genus Zonitis, adults are likely flower visitors with elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species is represented by 35 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection (as of 2010).
Zonitis sayi
Zonitis sayi is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae. It is distributed across North America from Mexico to Canada. Adults measure 8–12 mm in length. The species belongs to the genus Zonitis, which comprises medium-sized meloid beetles. Like other blister beetles, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound that can cause skin blistering in humans.
Zonitis vermiculata
Zonitis vermiculata is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, first described by Charles Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the genus Zonitis, a group of small to medium-sized meloid beetles characterized by their distinctive elytral patterns. The species is known from North America, with records from the southwestern United States and British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of the subfamily Nemognathinae, Zonitis species possess elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding on flowers.
Zonitis vittigera
brown blister beetle, Orange Blister Beetle
Zonitis vittigera is a species of blister beetle in the family Meloidae, found in North America. The species is commonly known as the brown blister beetle or Orange Blister Beetle. It belongs to the subfamily Nemognathinae, which is characterized by elongated adult mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. Two subspecies are recognized: Z. v. vittigera and Z. v. propinqua.