On Bramble
On Wild Carrot
Photo ©2013 Magnefl
Click any photo for a larger image
All other photos ©2007–
Soldier beetle - Cantharis rustica
Family - Cantharidae
Also known as Bloodsuckers
One of several Cantharis beetles, the Soldier beetle is the most common. Attaining a length of 9–13mm (0.35–0.5in) it has shiny black elongated elytra, red and black femora, a distinctly red pronotum with a heart shaped central black spot, and black antennae of eleven segments of which the bottom two or three are orange.
It is covered in fine hairs. It can be found in fields and grasslands with tall grasses that have been left to go to seed, and open woodlands from May to July. It is common throughout England and Wales and is a predator hunting mainly on flowers.
On Bramble |
On Wild Carrot |
Photo ©2013 Magnefl |
Click any photo for a larger image All other photos ©2007– | ||
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| Soldier beetles on Wild Carrot | ||
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