Soldier Beetle
Common Name: Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name: Order Coleoptera, family Cantheridae, many species, Chaubiognathus pennsylvanicus
Size: 1/2″ to 3/4″
Identification: Adults are long, narrow, soft-bodied beetles, often orange or red with black or brown wings. Both larvae and adults are easily identified by their velvety covering. Wings are soft and parchment-like and don’t always reach the tip of the abdomen.
Habitat: Soldier beetles like to do their hunting in yarrow, daisies, and other flowering plants.
Feeding Habits: Aphids and other small insects pests.
Economic Importance: Beneficial.
Natural Control: None needed.
Organic Control: None needed.
Insight: Colorful and highly beneficial insect that should be protected. Not seen that often but worth knowing about.