Big Eared Blister Beetle from Mexico

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Subject: What is this?
Location: Guadalajara, Mexico
February 9, 2013 1:02 pm
This landed on a chair in my garden (I live in Guadalajara, Mexico). Very pretty – did not seem too bothered by a camera being close. Big black pincers at the front. Did not appear aggressive.
Signature: Phil

Big Eared Blister Beetle

Hi Phil,
This is a Big Eared Blister Beetle, Cissites auriculata, or another species in the genus.  According to BugGuide, its range is:  ” W. and S. TX / Mexico south to Costa Rica / Bahamas & Puerto Rico.  Only recently recorded from the US. (Lewis 2004).”  BugGuide also indicates it:  “Parasitizes carpenter bees, Xylocopa spp.”  

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