Blister beetle larvae feed on which of the following?

Blister beetle larvae feed on which of the following?

• A. Soil detritus
• B. Insect eggs
• C. Plant leaves
• D. Animal blood

Answer: (B)

Blister beetle larvae have a specialized feeding strategy: they target insect eggs. The first larval stage, called the triungulin, is highly mobile and geared to locate and feed on eggs laid by other insects, often in bee nests or on grasshoppers. This egg-feeding lifestyle is a hallmark of their early development, contrasting with detritus, plant leaves, or animal blood, which are not typical food sources for their larvae. While adults may sip plant tissues, the larval phase is defined by feeding on insect eggs, making that option the best choice.

Blister beetle larvae have a specialized feeding strategy: they target insect eggs. The first larval stage, called the triungulin, is highly mobile and geared to locate and feed on eggs laid by other insects, often in bee nests or on grasshoppers. This egg-feeding lifestyle is a hallmark of their early development, contrasting with detritus, plant leaves, or animal blood, which are not typical food sources for their larvae. While adults may sip plant tissues, the larval phase is defined by feeding on insect eggs, making that option the best choice.