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.