What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Lytta cyanipennis, a Blister Beetle

Posted by June 16th, 2005 at 12:00 am

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Beetles

Iridescent Beetle?
Hi,
I found this beetle high up on a plateau near Rock Creek BC. I thought the iridescent greem covering the abdomen an wing casing was beautiful. However, I don’t know what kind of insect it is?
Rick Hartnell

lytta cyanipennis Lytta cyanipennis, a Blister Beetle

Hi Rick,
We checked with Eric Eaton to get an actual species identification on your Blister Beetles. He quickly responded: “I’m envious. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and never once saw these guys! These are indeed blister beetles, probably Lytta cyanipennis. Blister beetles are very LOCALLY abundant, for very short periods, so the person is lucky to have encountered them. Just don’t grab one, as they will live up to their name by leaving blisters on sensitive areas of your skin.”

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