These blister beetles (Pyrota sp.) were observed in June 2005 in Goliad county by Lee Elliot of San Antonio. He estimated 10,000 or more beetles were aggregated on trees over a couple of acres. The red and black coloration is a warning to predators of their toxic nature.
I wanted to relate one of the more amazing ento-phenomenon that I’ve experienced. While visiting a ranch in Goliad County in June 2005, Bill Carr and I noticed a few red and black meloids. Then we found a few more. Then we looked up and saw literally clouds of these beetles flying through the air and aggregating on trees in the area. I would say that there were 10,000 or more individuals in an area of a couple of acres. It didn’t appear to be a mating aggregation, as none of the many photos I took showed individuals in copula. I believe that the beetles belong to the genus Pyrota. Photos can be viewed at http://www.abisw.org/Pyrota
Pyrota tenuicostatis det. EG Riley
Lee Elliott
San Antonio, TX