Bronze Blister Beetle
Lytta polita
This record describes Lytta polita (species). Recorded family: Meloidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
se. US (NJ-FL-LA) - Map
Seasonal Activity
Dec-May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults said to feed on pine pollen
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lytta polita Say 1824
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lytta polita. 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 Bronze Blister Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronze Blister Beetle
How big is Bronze Blister Beetle?
13-22 mm
Where is Bronze Blister Beetle found?
Range: se. US (NJ-FL-LA) - Map
What does Bronze Blister Beetle eat?
The diet of the Bronze Blister Beetle includes Adults said to feed on pine pollen.
When is Bronze Blister Beetle active?
Bronze Blister Beetle: seasonal activity - Dec-May.