The Soldier Beetle
Identifying the soldier beetle…
Here’s a great bug I came across on the edge of a river bank recently, the Soldier Beetle….
Cantharis Rustica is a member of a group of similar looking beetles, all of which have striking red and black colours and come under the group name of Soldier Beetle. This particular specimen has a remarkable black spot which stands out against the deep red of its pronotum and this is the best way of distinguishing it from other beetles in the family.
Soldier beetles are also sometimes called blood sucking beetles but this has absolutely everything to do with its red colour and absolutely nothing to do with its blood sucking properties of which there are none.
Look out for these from late May through until August, they are common in the UK and although I saw this one by a waters edge they do thrive in most habitats but particularly where flowers are plentiful.
The Soldier Beetle
Miles,
very useful indeed, I’ve actually seen a couple of these myself and knew not what they were.
Great shot as well - I do like these posts
Best
Rod
June 9, 2010 @ 6:45 am
Miles,
He’s got a heart on his back….. a striking beetle to be sure. The beetle collection at the Natural History Museum must be something to behold…. colours galore but there’s nothing like seeing them in the wild, walking jewellery.
Cid
p.s. I shall be looking into ‘pronotums’ and endeavouring to include it in a conversation this week
June 9, 2010 @ 7:12 pm
Rod,
I’m enjoying researching them too, they’re far more interesting than they seem at first glance.
Miles
June 9, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
Cid,
A handsome fella to be sure
I’d love to visit the NHM, it’s time I went really.
MIles
June 9, 2010 @ 10:15 pm
Miles:
If you do go to NHM, be sure to do an “extended” spirit tour. We did something similar a few years back and I found it thrilling to be holding specimen’s collected on the Challenger expedition. (And I supported my graduate studies by helping to reclassify the Aggasiz collection on this side of the Atlantic).
Breathing in th history was wonderful. If your going south - complete th pilgrimage with a visit to Down House.
Best,
L
June 10, 2010 @ 2:22 am
Laura,
Thanks for that, I am determied to get down there and have a look. I do love anything like this and they should be supported.
Thanks again,
Miles
June 10, 2010 @ 10:51 pm