Photos ©2025–
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Photos ©2025–
Click for a larger image
Red Soldier Beetle - Cantharis rufa
Family - Cantharidae
Also known as - The Bloodsucker Beetle
The Red soldier Beetle is a relatively small beetle of around 9-11mm (0.35-0.43in) long, but is larger than other similar Cantharis species. A variable species known for its red, orange, and dark markings, the head is usually red with black behind the eyes but may also be black in front of the eyes as well. There is usually a dark mark on the pronotum but this is also variable. The legs can vary from all red to having some black but they are not ringed at the apices. The dark form has dusky red/orange elytra and darker femora and there is an all-red form which lacks any black on the pronotum and legs and is red throughout.
This species is larger than other similar Cantharis species. It is usually seen in Late spring and summer in flower meadows, well vegetated areas, hedgerows, bushes, forest edges, and areas with dense vegetation. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales. The adults and larvae are both predatory in nature with the adults hunting small insects, often taking their prey on flowers which they also visit for pollen, whilst the larvae hunt small invertebrates on the ground.
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