In this article, we look at the blister beetle, why it is so dangerous, and whether it can fly or not. To answer clearly upfront- yes, they can fly!
Blister beetles are brightly colored toxic little beetles often found in alfalfa fields.
They are toxic and called blister beetles because they secrete a liquid when threatened or injured called cantharidin.
The toxin can cause irritation and blistering if it directly touches human skin.
It can also cause serious health issues in animals and be fatal.
Blister beetles have wings to move from flower to flower or plant to plant. So they can fly, but they are slow fliers.
What Are Blister Beetles?
Blister beetles are insects that belong to the family Meloidae. They are sometimes called acid flies or even Spanish flies.
Blister beetles are considered aggressive in nature because they secrete a toxin called cantharidin when disturbed.
If cantharidin comes in direct contact with human skin, it can cause irritation and blistering.
Furthermore, if ingested in large amounts, it can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal and urinary tract.
Blister beetle poisoning can be fatal to animals, especially horses that feed on alfalfa hay, where these bugs are often found.
There are about 4000 species of blister beetles across the world, out of which nearly 410 species are found in the United States.
How To Identify Blister Beetles?
Blister beetles have small bodies that appear leathery in texture.
These beetles appear long and cylindrical in shape but, in reality, have small torsos.
The cylindrical illusion results from the wings that curve around their abdomen.
They have a wide head, long legs, and beaded antennae.
Another distinct characteristic of blister beetles is their varied color palate.
They can be found in dull colors like ash brown, black, and gray or in bright colors like green and yellow.
For example, the Lytta and Pyrota species are brightly colored in hues of green and yellow.
The bright colors often serve as a warning to predators to stay away.
Yet other species of blister beetles belonging to the same genus Epicauta are starkly black in color.
The black blister beetles and striped blister beetles are the most commonly found species in the North American states.
Can Blister Beetles Fly?
Since they are plant pests and also dangerous to livestock, it is important to know whether they can fly or not.
If they can, how well do they fly, and how dangerous is it?
Well, blister beetles do have wings, and they can fly. But thankfully, they are not big fliers.
Do They Have Wings?
Yes, they do have wings, as mentioned above.
The wings of adult beetles cover their abdomens completely.
The curved wings create an illusion of the beetle being slender and cylindrical when their torsos are far smaller.
Unlike other insects, their wing covers do not meet in the middle.
Blister beetles can fly but are slow fliers, given their heavier body weight.
As discussed earlier, various species are colored differently when it comes to blister beetles.
Some species have striped wings and solid-colored bodies, making them appear dangerous to predators.
Which Species of Blister Beetles Can Fly?
All species of blister beetles have wings and can fly.
As discussed above, blister beetles have wings covering their relatively short bodies.
They are not fast fliers because the wings cannot fully sustain their heavier body weight.
But they use their wings to fly toward lights during the evenings.
Where Can I Find Blister Beetles?
You can find blister beetles in several places.
Region-wise, several species of blister beetles are found in North America in states likeWisconsin, Florida, Minnesota, etc.
Other species exist in The West Indies, Central America, and South America.
As for their habitats, blister beetles are found in alfalfa hay fields, as adult beetles often feed on alfalfa flowers.
They also infest plants of garden vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, lima beans, etc.
The larvae of blister beetles feed on grasshopper eggs and nesting bee eggs.
So you will also find a large number of blister beetles in areas where there is a higher number of grasshoppers.
Do Blister Beetles Bite?
Blister beetles do not bite. They have no stinger to bite or sting.
But having said that, blister beetles are considered toxic because their bodies carry a blistering agent called cantharidin.
When threatened, injured, or crushed, these insects secrete an odorless liquid that can irritate human skin and cause blisters on direct contact.
If ingested, cantharidin can irritate the gastrointestinal and urinary tract.
In animals, especially horses, ingesting cantharidin can cause poisoning and death.
Hence the beetles’ presence in alfalfa hay is often concerning for horse owners as horses feed on alfalfa hay.
While these bugs do not actively harm humans or animals, their toxins can cause harm.
Dead beetles might get crushed and mixed into the hay, and if ingested, the horses could die.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you identify a blister beetle?
Blister beetles are a unique type of beetle that is easily identifiable due to their slippery, oval shape and black or brown stripes running the length of the body.
They range in size from very small to over 1 inch in length and have six legs and an elongated head.
Blister beetles produce a toxic substance called cantharidin that is released when their bodies are touched, hence their name, blister beetle.
To identify a blister beetle, look for its oblong shape and striped coloration.
What happens if you touch a blister beetle?
Touching a blister beetle can have several adverse effects.
These beetles secrete an oily, caustic substance from their leg joints that contain cantharidin.
If this substance is rubbed onto the skin, it can cause an intense burning sensation and a rash of fluid-filled blisters that can make your skin swollen and itchy for several days.
In addition, if these blisters are ingested or come into contact with mucous membranes like your eyes, they can cause inflammation.
It could even cause more serious symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, renal dysfunction, and sometimes diarrhea.
Can you pop a blister beetle bite?
Blister beetle bites should not be popped, as this can cause infection.
The best way to treat a blister beetle bite is to use an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec.
This will help reduce the swelling and itching and also reduce the risk of infection.
If the bite does not improve with these medications, you may need to seek medical attention.
Blister beetle bites are often misdiagnosed as wasps or bee stings; it is important to properly identify the bug before attempting self-treatment.
How do you get rid of blister beetles?
The best way to get rid of blister beetles is by controlling the population at its source.
This can involve changes in land management practices, such as eliminating weeds and mowing or increasing the rotation of crops on infested fields.
Chemical control may also be necessary, such as treating larvae with insecticides or spraying with pyrethroids.
Biological control options are an environmentally friendly alternative if they are used correctly.
Certain parasitoid wasps will feed on blister beetle larvae, reducing their numbers effectively.
Wrap Up
Yes, blister beetles do fly. They do not fly at a very fast speed because their wings cannot sustain their heavier body weight.
But they do use wings to move between flowers and plants.
It has also been observed that blister beetles often fly toward the light during nighttime.
Thank you for reading.
