Information: Lytta vesicatoria was described by Linnaeus in 1758 originally as Meloe vesicatoria from the Mediterranean (probably Spain).
Lytta vesicatoria is one of the best-known species within the family Meloidae. Its distribution ranges from Spain across much of Europe to the Caucasus region.
Lytta vesicatoria exhibits a slender, elongate body form typical of the family Meloidae. The general coloration is a vivid metallic green, occasionally with golden or coppery reflections. The body is covered with fine, grayish pubescence, most noticeable under magnification. The head is heart-shaped to triangular in outline, slightly broader than the pronotum, and bears moderately long, filiform antennae composed of 11 segments. The eyes are large and reniform. The pronotum is cylindrical, narrower than both the head and elytra, and smooth without punctation. The elytra are elongate, smooth, and entirely cover the abdomen; they lack setae and exhibit the same metallic luster as the rest of the body. The legs are slender.
Body length: 12 - 24 mm
Peak activity: (March) April - August (depends on region)
Remarks: Adults typically appear from April onwards, predominantly inhabiting xerothermic environments such as steppes, forest-steppes, and sun-exposed slopes with scattered trees. Adults can be observed feeding on the leaves of various shrubs and trees, with a preference for ashes (Fraxinus spp.), common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum), and wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare). In some years, population outbreaks can lead to complete defoliation of host plants.
Lytta vesicatoria secretes a toxic alkaloid known as cantharidin, a compound historically extracted primarily from blister beetles for use as an aphrodisiac or even as a lethal poison since medieval times. Only males produce cantharidin, which they transfer to females during mating; the compound is then passed on to the eggs. Although cantharidin is extremely toxic, many animals are immune to its effects or even accumulate it in their tissues. Notably, ground-feeding birds and amphibians, such as frogs, show high resistance. The beetle is also reported to emit a characteristic mouse-like odor.
Distribution: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Denmark, Great Britain, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan., Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine
Taxonomic classification:
Subspecies: 3
Information:
Body length: 12 - 24 mm
Peak activity: (March) April - August (depends on region)
Distribution: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Denmark, Great Britain, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan., Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine
Material examined (& observation):
Our observation period: May ~ June 
Sampling Methods: on bush and flowers 
Information:
Body length:
Peak activity:
Distribution: Turkey
[= Cantharis vittata (Brullé, 1832)]
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Body length:
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Distribution: Greece
Czechia
