Margined Blister Beetle

Appearance

Mostly black beetle that is soft-bodied and has long legs, enlarged palpi, and slender/filiform antennae.

Naming

Common name synonym: Ebony Blister Beetle

Scientific name synonym: Epicauta pestifera

Explanation of species name: funebris = 'funeral'

Distribution

Eastern United States, west to Texas and South Dakota and north to Massachusetts.

Behavior

Interestingly, in response to high temperatures, the larvae may actually skip developmental phases and pupate early. Under normal conditions, larval development is hypermetamorphic, with four distinct phases.

Reproduction

Adults commonly live three months or more, and the females typically mate and oviposit periodically throughout that time period. Eggs are laid in masses in the ground or under stones.

Food

Adult hosts: Many Leguminosae and Solanaceae, including alfalfa, beet, eggplant, potato, soybean, sugar beet, and tomato.

Defense

Blister beetles receive their common name from the ability of their hemolymph to produce blistering on contact with human skin. Hemolymph is often exuded copiously by reflexive bleeding when an adult beetle is pressed or rubbed. Unless extensive, medical treatment beyond first aid for blistering on humans is usually not necessary.