There are hundreds of species of Blister beetles, large red and black beetles whose
colouring warns that they are toxic or unpalatable - secreting an irritant liquid. Most Mylabris species
are native to temperate Eurasia/North Africa and most Hycleus species to tropical Africa/Asia.
Mylabris calida is a common blister beetle native to southeastern Europe,
the Middle East and Central Asia. It is a large beetle even compared to other blisters.
Females are larger than males. Markings are variable. All those shown were in southeast Kazakhstan.
They fly well. They seem to huddle together at night at the top of a stem and fly away
individually in the morning as the sun warms them.