Predation-on-eggs
Guides
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.