Dark Blister Beetle
Epicauta murina
This record describes Epicauta murina (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
E. murina vs E. fabricii : Male: antennomere 2 almost as long as 3-5, ~⅔ as long as 1 // clearly shorter, ~½ as long as 1 ////////////////////////////////// Female: antennomere 2 almost as long as 3+4 // 2nd slightly longer than 3 ////////////////////////////////// E. subglabra has proportions of murina , but very indistinct pubescence (appears black); female E. torsa has segments even shorter than fabricii .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Tribe
- Epicautini
- Genus
- Epicauta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne NA to the Rockies - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epicauta murina (LeConte 1853)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Epicauta murina. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dark Blister Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by George Waldren; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Blister Beetle
What is Dark Blister Beetle?
Dark Blister Beetle (Epicauta murina) is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dark Blister Beetle?
E. murina vs E. fabricii : Male: antennomere 2 almost as long as 3-5, ~⅔ as long as 1 // clearly shorter, ~½ as long as 1 ////////////////////////////////// Female: antennomere 2 almost as long as 3+4 // 2nd slightly longer than 3 ////////////////////////////////// E. subglabra has proportions of murina , but very indistinct pubescence (appears black); female E. torsa has segments even shorter than fabricii .
Where is Dark Blister Beetle found?
Range: ne NA to the Rockies - Map