SOLDIER BEETLE |
CANTHARIS PELLUCIDA |
|
| Fig 1 |
DESCRIPTION: Approximately 13mm.This common soldier beetle lacks the black spot on its red thoracic plate like some similar species and has a glossy black hirsute elytra, a reddish-orange body and a black face mask. When viewed from below all abdominal sternites are red thus distinguishing it from the close relative C. nigricans who have areas of sternites 1 to 4 obviously darkened. BEHAVIOUR: Usually found in large groups on flowerheads. The larvae are snail-like and feed on the ground hunting snails and other mini creatures. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout. HABITAT: Open meadows, lowland broad leaved woods and along hedgerows where they are found on open flowers of Umbellifiers and Hawthorn trees amongst others. PERIOD: May to August. |