| CANTHARIS NIGRICANS |
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| Fig 1 |
DESCRIPTION: Length 9 - 11mm. A typical soldier beetle that is best recognised by the black elytra with 2 types of pubescense that give an overall greyish appearance, a yellow-orange pronotum that can have a dark central mark and the black on the orange hind legs that extends above the knee. To confirm any doubts if one checks the underside of this insect it will be seen that large areas of abdominal segments 1 to 4 are black. BEHAVIOUR: The larvae live on the ground and are carnivorous, feeding on smaller insects. The adults are also carnivorous, but are greatly attracted to flowers where they hunt other flower-visiting insects. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout Britain. HABITAT: Woodland edges, hedgerows and flowery meadows. PERIOD: May to August. |