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Striped blister beetle

Epicauta occidentalis

Photo by Aaron_G
Published on Project Noah
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36.7473, -95.9808

Field Notes

Description:

This brightly-colored beetle is often seen in cattle pastures, but can also be seen at well-lit gas stations and other locations throughout the summer months.

Habitat:

Prairies

Notes:

Beetles incidentally killed during alfalfa harvest leave residue of their defensive chemical cantharidin on the crop, negatively impacting the digestion and health of livestock fed the harvest.

Reference Links:

Epicauta occidentalis - Overview, Species Epicauta occidentalis - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)
Aaron_G
That's what they say but I've handled a lot of different blister beetles of many species without incident. I think rough handling or tight cupping in the hand would result in the release of their chemicals.
KarenL
Very brave of you - I understand they can give a nasty burn!

Spotted for Missions

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WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
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BioBlitz! Oklahoma
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Global Flight
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Animals with Warning Colors
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Beetles!
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 27, 2012

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