blister beetle

Nemognatha is a genus of small to medium-sized blister beetles. They occur in southern Europe, southern Africa, and in North and South America. In the United States they are most common in the southwest. They are uncommon in Minnesota.

There are about 80 species of Nemognatha worldwide, 27 species in North America north of Mexico, and at least 2 species in Minnesota.

The female lays eggs on flowers. When the larvae hatch, they attach themselves to visiting bees and are carried back to the bee’s nest. Once there, they feed on bee eggs and stored food. Adults feed on nectar and pollen of various flowers, especially those in the Aster (Asteraceae) family.

Adults are 3 ⁄16″ to ⅝″ (5.5 to 15.0 mm) in length. The outer lower mouth parts (galeae) are greatly elongated into a sucking tube, allowing the beetles to drink flower nectar. On the front and middle legs the last part of the leg (tarsus), corresponding to the foot, has five segments. On the hind leg the tarsus has only four segments. The claw at the end of the tarsus is comb-like.

Sources

7, 27, 29, 30, 82.

This genus has no common name. The common name of the family Meloidae is blister beetles, and it is applied here for convenience.

What’s in a Name?

The name Nemognatha means “thread jaw”. It refers to the mouthparts which are modified into a long proboscis. This feature is common among other insects but rare in beetles.

Location: Mankato

developed blister on top of foot.