Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle
Lytta fulvipennis
This record describes Lytta fulvipennis (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One AZ record (Thomas Robbins, 2013 pers. comm. to MAQ)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Tenebrionoidea
- Family
- Meloidae (Blister Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Meloinae
- Genus
- Lytta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (AZ-TX-NE-CO) / ne. Mex. - Map , mostly s. KS to Rio Grande
Seasonal Activity
2.iii-14.vi; reported in TX in Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on pricklypoppy ( Argemone , Papaveraceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta fulvipennis LeConte 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta fulvipennis. 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 Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle
What is Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle?
Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle (Lytta fulvipennis) is a species in the family Meloidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle?
14-27 mm
Where is Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle found?
Range: sw US (AZ-TX-NE-CO) / ne. Mex. - Map , mostly s. KS to Rio Grande
What does Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle eat?
The diet of the Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle includes Adults feed on pricklypoppy ( Argemone , Papaveraceae).
When is Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle active?
Pricklypoppy Blister Beetle: seasonal activity - 2.iii-14.vi; reported in TX in Sep.