Does Maryland Have Blister Beetles?

The list below showcases all insects, bugs, and spiders found in the state/territory of Maryland in the InsectIdentification. org database. There are 250 species of blister beetles in the United States, with the name blister referring to the chemical cantharidin in their bodies. These beetles cause painful burns when crushed against their skin. Ground beetles are one of the most common types in Maryland, known for their distinctive black and yellow markings on their bodies. They do not fly but move quickly across the state.

Epicauta pensylvanica, also known as the black blister beetle or black aster bug, is a species of burning blister beetle in the family Meloidae. Maryland has large beetles like the eastern hercules and giant stag beetles, small house pests such as the black carpet, and varied carpet beetle species. The state’s biggest is the eastern hercules, occupying the coastal areas. Blister beetle larvae are parsitoids, and although some species prey upon grasshopper eggs, most species target and consume the egg or larvae of solitary ground-nesting bees.

There are about 410 species of blister beetles in North America north of Mexico and about 4, 000 worldwide. Eastern blister beetles are sedately (yet elegantly) and are often found in large clusters in late summer-early fall. Margined Blister Beetles are also found in Cecil Co., Maryland, and Washington Co., Maryland.

Blister beetles (Meloidae) secrete a chemical called cantharidin to protect themselves, which can cause painful burns and even death in horses and cows from eating them.

What States Are Blister Beetles In?

Blister beetles, belonging to the family Meloidae, are prevalent in southern and eastern regions of the United States, particularly in states like Oklahoma, Florida, California, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The striped blister beetle (Epicauta occidentalis) is the most common species in Oklahoma. Known for their defensive secretion of cantharidin, which causes blistering, blister beetles are visually striking and sometimes brightly colored to warn predators of their toxicity.

Globally, there are about 7, 500 identified blister beetle species. Apart from their notable presence in gardens where they damage flowers, such as iris, they can also pose a risk to livestock if they are inadvertently consumed in forage. In the eastern and central United States, four common species include the ashgray (Epicauta fabricii), black (E. pennsylvanica), margined (E. pestifera), and striped (E. vittata) blister beetles. Blister beetles are generally leaf-feeding insects, and appropriate home garden pesticides can effectively mitigate them.

They are particularly prevalent in alfalfa fields during various cuttings but are especially noticeable in the second, third, and fourth cuttings. Various blister beetle species inhabit diverse regions of the U. S. and parts of Canada, with a significant variety across different states. Overall, this group of beetles is well-distributed and affects local ecosystems and agriculture.

Are Blister Beetles In Maryland?

Epicauta funebris Horn, 1873, commonly known as the Margined Blister Beetle, has been observed in various counties of Maryland, including Charles, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s, with records spanning from 2008 to 2017. Maryland hosts a diverse array of beetles, with a total of 208 species listed in the BeetleIdentification. org database. The state’s beetle fauna includes large species like the eastern Hercules and giant stag beetles, as well as smaller pests such as the black carpet and various carpet beetles.

Ground beetles are among the most prevalent in Maryland, identifiable by their distinctive black and yellow markings on the head, thorax, and abdomen. Unlike many beetles, ground beetles do not fly but move swiftly across surfaces. Blister beetles, particularly those in the Meloidae family like Epicauta pensylvanica (black blister beetle) and Meloe angusticollis (short-winged blister beetle), are also significant. These beetles are typically found in areas abundant with grasshoppers, their eggs, and bee eggs, as well as in alfalfa fields where they feed on flowers.

Blister beetles secrete cantharidin, a toxic blistering agent that can cause skin irritation and is fatal if ingested. Their larvae are predaceous, feeding on grasshopper eggs, while adults primarily consume plant matter. Epicauta pensylvanica has been notably observed on goldenrod in Prince George’s County. Proper identification is crucial, as some blister beetles may be mistaken for staphylinid beetles, such as the coach horse beetle.

Maryland’s beetle diversity is supported by resources like the Maryland Species Richness Map, top contributor lists, recent discoveries, and integrated platforms like iNaturalist. Management of blister beetles involves preventive measures such as using row covers or kaolin clay to protect crops before these pests become active. Overall, Maryland’s blister beetles play a unique role in the ecosystem, balancing between predation on pests and interactions with various plants.

What Happens If A Blister Beetle Bites You?

Blister beetles are insects that internally produce a chemical called cantharidin. They lack a stinger and are unable to inflict an injurious bite; however, cantharidin can cause blisters or welts upon contact with exposed skin. Most blister beetles do not pose a significant threat to humans, causing only minor irritation or swelling. The main concern arises from allergic reactions to cantharidin, which can vary from mild rashes to severe effects like respiratory failure or death.

While blister beetles don't bite, their caustic blood can lead to adverse reactions if they are mishandled. Contact with cantharidin can result in skin blistering, irritation, and pain, and if it enters the eyes, serious conditions, such as conjunctivitis, may develop.

There's no antidote for cantharidin, making it crucial to accurately identify this insect to manage encounters safely. Symptoms of exposure can include severe digestive issues, skin reactions, and in extreme cases, kidney damage or even death. If you touch a blister caused by the beetle and then rub your eyes, you might experience what is known as Nairobi eye, characterized by conjunctivitis. While blister beetles are not aggressive and typically strike only when touched, the venom can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. For more information about blister beetle bites, dermatitis symptoms, or treatment options, it is advisable to consult pest control services or medical professionals.

How Many Maryland Beetles Are There?

Beetles are widely distributed across the United States, including Maryland, which features a total of 208 beetle species in the BeetleIdentification. org database. This count reflects the rich biodiversity present in the state, with the potential for thousands of insect species. Ground beetles, recognized for their characteristic black and yellow markings, are among the most common in Maryland and are known for their speed, as they do not fly.

Some of the smallest beetles found in the state include the Black Carpet Beetle, Varied Carpet Beetle, and the Emerald Ash Borer. Popular beetles include the Eastern Hercules Beetle, Japanese Beetle, Black Carpet Beetle, and Varied Carpet Beetle. Additionally, research identifies 267 species of scarabaeoid beetles residing in Maryland, showcasing the state’s diverse entomological fauna.

Maryland is also home to important pollinators, with more than 430 bee species and over 150 butterfly species identified. Among notable beetles are the Rove Beetles and Soldier Beetles, alongside various ground-dwelling beetles such as the Six-spotted Tiger Beetle.

In summary, the beetle population in Maryland is highly varied, with many species, both common and rare, contributing to the state’s ecological landscape. The lists provided serve as a general indicator of the insects, bugs, and spiders that may inhabit Maryland, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research and documentation of the region’s entomological diversity.

What Kind Of Beetles Live In Maryland?

In Maryland, notable beetle species include rove beetles, soldier beetles (leatherwings), and ground-dwelling types such as tiger beetles (specifically the six-spotted tiger beetle) and ground beetles (carabids), which encompass caterpillar hunters (Calosoma spp.). Both the larvae and adults of these beetles play critical roles in pest control. The InsectIdentification. org database lists a total of 208 beetle species in Maryland, emphasizing the diversity of this group.

Ground beetles, distinguished by their black and yellow markings, are among the state's most common beetles, known for their swift movement rather than flight. A comprehensive list of beetles can be found, organized by family, showcasing various species including the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (Agrilus planipennis). Besides beetles, Maryland is home to numerous insect types, totaling 1, 365 identified species, with specific guides available for butterflies, wasps, dragonflies, bees, ladybugs, moths, stank bugs, and cockroaches.

Research has identified 267 species of scarabaeoid beetles in Maryland and highlights the state's geology, climate, and vegetation. Noteworthy non-native species, such as the Chinese, European, and Japanese mantids, may influence local ecosystems, alongside invasive species like the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), which poses significant threats to hardwood trees. In urban contexts, common beetles include carpet, drugstore, and saw-toothed grain beetles.

What Kills Blister Beetles?

Blister beetles, part of the Meloidae family, are toxic pests that can cause skin irritation and severe injuries to livestock if ingested. Effective control methods include carbaryl sprays like Sevin 4F, Sevin 80S, Sevin XLR, or Warrior 1 CS; however, these should not be applied within 7 days of harvest. For organic control, diatomaceous earth spread around plants attracts and kills blister beetles as they emerge from the ground, while oyster shell lime can create a protective barrier.

Organic pesticides containing Spinosad are also effective, breaking down into harmless substances and managing beetle populations within 24 to 48 hours. Handpicking can help reduce numbers, supplemented by natural solutions like dish soap mixed with water. Despite their problematic nature, blister beetles play a positive role as their larvae consume grasshopper larvae. It's also crucial to clean up beetle bodies post-treatment to prevent accidental ingestion.

In some cases, insecticides may be the most effective option due to the persistence of these pests. Blister beetles have slender bodies, a large head, and secrete a caustic substance when crushed, emphasizing the need for careful handling. Overall, integrating both chemical and organic strategies can mitigate blister beetle infestations efficiently.

What Is The Invasive Beetle In Maryland?

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is causing significant issues for hardwood trees, particularly in New York and Chicago, and poses a potential threat to Maryland. This beetle is predominantly black with white patches along its shell and features long antennae adorned with black and white bands. The Black Vine Weevil, an invasive species of concern in Maryland, reproduces asexually and lays eggs at the base of various herbaceous perennials like yews, rhododendrons, and hostas.

The invasive Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle was first detected in Maryland in 2011, while the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) is another notable invasive insect troubling the region. The Maryland Forest Service has compiled fact sheets detailing various invasive species affecting homeowners and landowners, highlighting their economic impacts. The Spotted Lanternfly is also proliferating, particularly in areas of Maryland that previously saw little of this pest.

Moreover, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) devastatingly kills nearly all ash trees it infests, leading to significant ecological losses. The Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) is recognized as one of the most destructive pests of pine trees in Maryland. Lastly, the Khapra Beetle poses severe threats to stored grain products. Homeowners are encouraged to report any suspected invasive species by calling 410-841-5920.

Where Can I Find Large Milkweed Bugs In Maryland?

In Maryland, Large Milkweed Bugs (Oncopeltus fasciatus) can be spotted in open areas such as roadsides, pastures, fields, and wildflower gardens, particularly in late summer and fall. While these insects may cause some damage to milkweed plants, their impact is usually minimal and brief, not affecting other species like Monarch Butterflies and Tussock Moths that rely on milkweed for survival. This hemimetabolous insect undergoes incomplete metamorphosis, developing through instars with noticeable changes such as wing and genitalia formation.

Large Milkweed Bugs predominantly inhabit fields with Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and are primarily considered nuisance pests, present for only a short duration on milkweed pods. During this period, they feed on milkweed seeds and grains. Despite having a less adverse effect compared to other pests, their presence highlights the intricate relationship between native species and their environments, including their historical coexistence with milkweed.

The habitat of these bugs extends east of the Rocky Mountains and into southern Ontario, Canada, with a stronger presence in the southeastern United States. In Maryland, both Large and Small Milkweed Bugs (Lygaeus kalmii), identifiable by their black and orange coloring, contribute to the rich biodiversity associated with milkweed plants, which also support over 450 documented insect species including the Monarch caterpillar.

What Repels Blister Beetles?

Blister beetles, known for their harmful secretion called cantharidin, can be effectively managed through various methods to safeguard crops and pets. Chemical solutions include carbaryl sprays like Sevin 4F, Sevin 80S, Sevin XLR, or Warrior 1 CS, with precautions of not using Sevin or Warrior within 7 days of harvest. Additionally, using spinosad-based insecticides can be effective as spinosad breaks down quickly.

For non-chemical approaches, several strategies can be employed: handpick the beetles, attract natural predators like birds, remove grasshoppers, weed the area, grow trap crops, implement row covers, and use natural insecticides and repellents.

Blister beetles pose a significant risk to both health and horticulture, with their irritant, cantharidin, being harmful when mishandled. Control practices may include applying insecticidal dust like D-Fender Dust, designed to manage beetles without triggering their blistering response. Alternatively, using biopesticides such as Spinosad can aid in reducing populations swiftly, usually killing the pests within 24 to 48 hours.

To further mitigate blister beetle presence, mowing grasses before flowering can reduce attraction to adult beetles. Regular applications of insecticides can provide control, although many only last 7 to 10 days. For specific crop management, Sevin has demonstrated effective control in alfalfa under certain conditions. These integrated pest management strategies offer a comprehensive approach to managing blister beetles and protecting your garden from these potentially harmful pests.

Where Can I Find Red Milkweed Beetles In Maryland?

To locate Red Milkweed Beetles in Maryland, seek out Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), their preferred host plant. These colorful beetles, similar to Monarch Butterflies, have evolved to be near milkweed, which offers them protection due to the plant's toxicity. There are 821 records of these beetles in the project database, with sightings documented in Allegany and Howard Counties. They typically emerge in early summer and are often seen feeding on blooming milkweed. Their presence is also dependent on the availability of milkweed, as larger patches increase the likelihood of sightings.

The insect identification database notes about 75 insect species related to milkweed in Maryland. The Red Milkweed Beetle, characterized by six black spots on its elytra, can be confused with the Blackened Milkweed Beetle, which has a single large black mark. Both species thrive on Common Milkweed, which attracts various dependent species throughout the blooming period.

In Maryland, Red Milkweed Beetles are common from late summer to fall, migrating south as the season concludes. They are part of a larger collection of milkweed-associated insects documented by various contributors on platforms like iNaturalist. Additionally, the article provides insights into common beetles and other insects found in the state, emphasizing the biodiversity dependent on native milkweed plants.

If you're exploring areas enriched with milkweed, such as Elk Neck State Park or Carillon Stonegate Pond, you may spot these distinct beetles and contribute to the ongoing observations of Maryland's insect fauna.