Tag Archives: toxic insects

What are blister beetles?

This summer has been blistering in more ways than one.  Besides the blistering temperatures, an inconspicuous beetle, called a blister beetle, has been more common than normal this year. Several species of blister beetles are native to our area and cause concerns, especially to horse owners.  Blister beetles are recognized by their medium to large size (usually 1-2 cm), rectangular head, cylindrical pronotum (the “neck” or portion of the thorax just behind the head), and often plump abdomen with leathery wings.  One of the distinctive features of blister… Read More →