Meloidae
Guides
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.