Mating Master Blister Beetles

Red Head Beattle or Roach?
Location: Phoenix, Arizona (U.S. Southwest)
April 9, 2011 9:46 am
What is it? and why did I see a lot of pairs joined at the rear?
Signature: Gary -Phoenix Az.

Master Blister Beetle

Hi Gary,
You have Master Blister Beetles, Lytta magister, in your area.  Adults appear in the spring, and the reason so many of them are joined in pairs is that they are mating.  Blister Beetles have complicated life cycles, and the larvae live in the nests of native bees.  Blister Beetles should be handled with care as they are capable of exuding a compound that will cause blistering of the skin.

Mating Master Blister Beetles

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