Flower or Blister Beetles

Credits:Biovison-Infonet

The adults of the flower beetles, also known as blister beetles, feed on bean flowers (petals and / or pollen) reducing pod set. The adults are medium to large sized beetles (2-5 cm in length), usually black and yellow or black and red in colour. The immature stages (larvae) do not feed on plants. They live in the soil and eat grasshopper eggs.

What to do:

• Hand-pick and destroy adult beetles to keep the numbers in check. However, care should be taken, since when disturbed, blister beetles can release a liquid that burn the skin. Whenever possible wear gloves to protect the hands
• Do not destroy the larvae, as they are beneficial (they feed on grasshopper eggs)