Check Alfalfa for Blister Beetle Activity


Patrick Wagner

SDSU Extension Entomology Field SpecialistAdditional Authors: Amanda Bachmann,Philip Rozeboom,Adam Varenhorst

Blister beetles are becoming more common as we progress through the growing season. Recently, there have been multiple reports of blister beetles showing up in alfalfa fields. The larvae of these beetles are beneficial because they feed on grasshopper eggs. However, the adults feed on the leaves and blossoms of plants, including alfalfa, and contain a toxic chemical called cantharidin. They can be an issue when large populations are present in alfalfa fields at the time of harvest. Hay that is heavily infested with blister beetles can be toxic, making it a health concern for livestock.

Profile

Three photos of blister beetles. The first, A, is a black colored blister beetle on a purple flower. The second, B, is a gray colored blister beetle on yellow flowers. The third, C, is an orange-brown colored blister beetle feeding on a green leaf.

Blister beetles have one generation per year. Adults can be up to 1 inch long, have a soft, elongate body, and vary in color and size based on species. The most common species in South Dakota are the black, ashgray, immaculate, striped, and margined blister beetles (Figure 1 and Figure 2). A unique characteristic of blister beetles is that their thorax (middle body segment) is narrower than both the head and abdomen. Another characteristic is that when at rest, the abdomen of blister beetles stick out past their hardened forewings.

Blister beetles get their name because their blood contains cantharidin, which causes blisters if it comes in contact with skin. The beetles release this toxic chemical through reactive bleeding to defend themselves from predators. Cantharidin is also released if the beetles are crushed, which is a problem when feeding infested hay to livestock. If an animal ingests enough blister beetles, it can lead to sickness or even death.

Management

Two photos of beetles. The first, A, is an orange and black striped blister beetles on a green leaf. The second, B, is a beetle that is black with gray edges on green leaf.

It is important to scout alfalfa fields for blister beetles prior to each cutting. Second and later cuttings are at higher risk of infestation because blister beetles are more abundant by early to mid-summer. Due to their predation on grasshopper eggs, blister beetles are more likely to be present in areas where large grasshopper populations were present the previous year. Consider management if you notice large numbers of blister beetles in the field.

Insecticide applications are not recommended, as this kills the beetles but does not remove them from the hay. Dead blister beetles still remain toxic, and spraying may end up increasing the number of beetles per bale. The alternative is to cut alfalfa prior to peak bloom as blister beetles are attracted to the blossoms. It is also important to allow the cut alfalfa to dry fully before raking so that the beetles have time to vacate the plants prior to baling. The worst infestations are often located on the edges of the field, so destroying the bales produced from this hay can reduce livestock health concerns.

When selling hay, ensure that blister beetles aren’t present or notify the buyer of any infested bales. Horses have a particularly high sensitivity to cantharidin, so it is important that they don’t consume infested hay. Especially avoid feeding hay from field edges to horses.

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