Beginner

Scientific Name
Epicauta spp.

Identification
Several species of blister beetles may feed on potatoes. They are slender insects, 1–2 cm long, and may be black, grey with black spots, or striped black and yellow. Blister beetles usually feed in swarms and move about a great deal. They get their name from a caustic chemical they produce called cantharidin. When crushed, the beetle can literally bleed the chemical from its joints, and skin contact with it can result in blisters.

Often Confused With
Beneficial beetles

Period of Activity
Sporadic.

Scouting Notes
Check for blister beetles when scouting for other insects.

Thresholds
This pest rarely causes economic damage. No thresholds are established.

Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series photograph, Bugwood.org: Some Rights Reserved. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Joseph Berger photograph, Bugwood.org: Some Rights Reserved. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Advanced

Scientific Name
Epicauta spp.

Identification
Several species of blister beetles may feed on potatoes. They are slender insects, 1–2 cm long, and may be black, grey with black spots, or striped black and yellow. Blister beetles usually feed in swarms and move about a great deal. They get their name from a caustic chemical they produce called cantharidin. When crushed, the beetle can literally bleed the chemical from its joints, and skin contact with it can result in blisters.

Often Confused With
Beneficial beetles

Biology
Life stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, adult beetles.

Period of Activity
Sporadic.

Scouting Notes
Check for blister beetles when scouting for other insects.

Thresholds
This pest rarely causes economic damage. No thresholds are established.

Management Notes
No management required.

Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series photograph, Bugwood.org: Some Rights Reserved. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Joseph Berger photograph, Bugwood.org: Some Rights Reserved. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.