Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: phytophagous
Immatures: predaceous

North American
Species: 335

Coleoptera Meloidae
Blister beetles

Special Characteristics: Most Meloidae in our area are usually between 10 and 15 mm long. They have a soft body, usually narrow and elongated and some are brightly coloured. The head is wider than than the thorax and they have a narrow neck. Some species cannot fly, these have short elytra and no hind wings.

Comments: Adults are phytophagous, they feed on a variety of plants including cultivated crops like potatoes and tomatoes. The larvae of many species feed on grasshopper eggs and a few attack bee larvae or feed on bee eggs and the food stored in the cells with the eggs. The common name blister beetles come from the fact that these beetles can release a yellow oily liquid from the joints of the legs and this liquid (called cantharadin) can cause blisters if it contacts human skin.

Species:
Lytta sayi LeConte

Common Name:

Feeding Habits: The adults feed on a variety of trees and other plants.

Distribution:
Ontario and Quebec.

Comments:
This species is common on fruit trees, elder, black locust, butternut, willow, beans and wheat. It is between 13 and 22 mm in length.