bug identification - Ask Extension
Is this bug a three striped blister beetle? It was found in our garden in La Crescent, MN. My understanding is that the 3 striped blister beetles are ...
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bug identification #879455
Asked July 30, 2024, 4:00 PM EDT
Is this bug a three striped blister beetle? It was found in our garden in La Crescent, MN. My understanding is that the 3 striped blister beetles are fairly rare. Do we need to worry about nearby alfalfa which will be fed to cows and goats? Thank you. Brian
Houston County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.
Yes that is a three striped blister beetle. They are rare in Minnesota. They can definitely affect the alfalfa field. They release a toxic that can really affect anything that eats it.
My advice would be to catch the insect and then contact your county extension agency. It may be prudent to have the alfalfa checked for more beetles before it is cut for feed.