Lytta magister (also known as the desert blister beetle or master blister beetle) is a species of blister beetle found in southwestern North America.
Typically 16 to 33 mm (0.6 to 1.3 in) in length, L. magister has a striking red head, legs and prothorax, with black elytra. They can be found in great numbers in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in spring, and are often seen in swarms. 
Females lay eggs in holes in the desert soil. The larvae are insectivorous, mainly attacking bee nests. They consume the immature host along with its provisions, and can often survive on the provisions alone, thus they are not obligatory parasitoids but rather food parasites that are facultatively parasitoid, or simply predatory. Adults feed on flowers and leaves of brittlebush. Though they are not poisonous, they can in fact bite.

harmful

venomous

toxic

bite

Lytta magister, commonly known as the Spanish fly, is considered a garden pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various plants, causing damage to the foliage and potentially impacting the overall health and aesthetics of the garden.

garden pest

Lytta magister, commonly known as the Spanish fly, can be considered a crop pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various plants, including crops, which can lead to significant damage and reduced yield if left unchecked.

crop pest

Lytta magister, commonly known as the Spanish fly, is considered a pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various plants, including garden plants and crops, causing damage to the foliage and potentially impacting the overall health and productivity of the plants.

google-play-not-available-title

Is the desert Blister Beetle poisonous?

More questions