Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Epicauta vittata (
Fabricius)
Orig. Comb: Lytta vittata Fabricius 1775
Syn: Epicauta lemniscata - apparently considered conspecific by many
Explanation of Names
vittata - Scientific Latin for "longitudinally striped" (in Classical Latin it refers to a band or ribbon)
Identification
Dull yellow head and pronotum, each elytron with two black stripes. Body underneath and legs black
(1).
So-called Three-lined Blister Beetle,
Epicauta lemniscata, has three black stripes on each elytron, found in south
(2). Now considered a race of
vittata according to
Univ. Florida Featured CreaturesFood
Feeds on variety of plants, especially Solanaceae (e.g., potatoes, tomatoes), also soybeans, other crops. Pigweed, Amaranthus species, not a crop plant, is also fed upon extensively.
Life Cycle
Two generations per year that may overlap.
See Also
Epicauta occidentalis Werner and Epicauta temexa Selander and Adams, are very similar.
Print References
Arnett et al., p. 286, fig. 672
(2)
Brimley, p. 162, lists both
Epicauta lemniscata and
Epicauta vittata from North Carolina
(3).
Cranshaw, pp. 176-177--photo
Epicauta lemniscata (4)
Dillon, p. 295, plate 30
(1)
Papp, p. 104, fig. 328
(5)
Salsbury, p. 217--
Epicauta lemniscata--photo
(6)
Sikes, p. 200, lists from Rhode Island, lists food plants
(7).
