25-4-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FALSE BLISTER BEETLE (Chrysanthia reitteri)

False blister beetles, sometimes known also as pollen feeding beetles, are unique in that adults of all the approximately 1,000 species in the world are obligate pollen feeders. They obtain their common name because many species cause blisters when pinched or squashed against the skin. Being pollen feeders, they are often common on flowers. They are also attracted to lights, and their numbers can be vast at night, especially on the Florida Keys. Oxycopis mcdonaldi (Arnett) causes skin blistering and makes itself a nuisance at resort areas where the beetles are attracted by night lights around swimming pools, tennis courts, and open air restaurants. Yet another species, Nacerdes melanura (L.), the wharf borer, is common around wood pilings where its larvae bore into and weaken the wood of docks and adjacent buildings.

3-5-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FALSE BLISTER BEETLE (Chrysanthia reitteri)

The false blister beetle (Chrysanthia reitteri) is a metallic-colored beetle native to the Palearctic realm, specifically the Iberian Peninsula. Like all false blister beetles (family Oedemeridae), adults feed exclusively on pollen, and the species has the potential to cause skin irritation if crushed. 

Key Facts

Appearance: The genus Chrysanthia is known for its shining, elongated bodies, typically in metallic blue, green, or coppery colors, with long, thread-like (filiform) antennae. While specific details for C. reitteri are limited in the search results, related species like C. viridissima are bright green, and C. superba have metallic green elytra and an orange pronotum.

Diet: Adult beetles are obligate pollen feeders and are often found on flowers and foliage during the summer months.

Habitat: This species is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, where it has been recorded in areas like the Serra da Estrela Natural Park in Portugal and regions of Spain. The genus generally occupies forest clearings, dry pine forests, and meadows.

Larval Stage: The larvae typically develop in decaying or rotten wood or soil, where they feed on dead wood.

Defense Mechanism: False blister beetles contain an irritating substance in their bodily fluids. If the beetle is crushed or bruised against the skin, this substance can cause a small, mildly painful blister.