Werner-1944
Guides
Epicauta alpina
Epicauta alpina is a blister beetle species in the family Meloidae, first described by Werner in 1944. It belongs to the subgenus Macrobasis within the genus Epicauta. The species is known from North America, with museum records indicating 27 specimens in the Entomology Research Museum collection. Like other Epicauta species, it likely produces cantharidin, a defensive terpenoid compound characteristic of blister beetles.
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 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 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 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.