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Epicauta pardalis is a species of blister beetle in the Meloidae family.

Blister Beetle

Epicauta pardalis is a species of blister beetle in the Meloidae family.

Epicauta maculata is a species of blister beetle in the Meloidae family.

Blister Beetle

Epicauta maculata is a species of blister beetle in the Meloidae family.

Beetles (Coleoptera) in the family Meloidae are commonly known as blister beetles, after their defensive secretion of a blistering agent, cantharidin. There are approximately 2,500 known species worldwide. Many are conspicuous and some aposematically colored, announcing their toxicity to would-be predators.

Blister Beetle

Beetles (Coleoptera) in the family Meloidae are commonly known as blister beetles, after their defensive…

An illustration of a female blister beetle.

Female Blister Beetle

An illustration of a female blister beetle.

"a, first or trungulin larva ( line shows natural size)." - Century, 1889

Male Blister Beetle

"a, first or trungulin larva ( line shows natural size)." - Century, 1889