Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#202925
nasty bugs eating my garden to shreds! - Epicauta normalis

nasty bugs eating my garden to shreds! - Epicauta normalis
Elizabeth, Colorado, douglas County, Colorado, USA
July 17, 2008
Size: 1/2 inch in length
A large group of these suckers appeared suddenly in my vegetable garden. They were not present the day before.

most likely Epicauta normalis Werner
John Pinto det.

pls look for more, take good pictures, and post on BG! thanks for this nice beetle

Moved from Epicauta.

We show a few spotted Blister Beetles
in the guide here under Epicauta which look fairly similar.

 
Yes.
Meloids in general tend to be very localized, and abundant for a very brief period (a week, maybe?). Unfortunately, they can do a lot of damage in that time. Exercise caution if you handle them: they secrete a very caustic defensive chemical (cantharidin) that can raise blisters on sensitive parts of your skin. Eating one can be lethal, and that applies to pets as well.

 
Yes, whatever you do..
don't eat your pets. :)