Soldier Beetles
What are they?
Soldier Beetles are often colorful, narrow-bodied insects that can be considered valuable garden aides, as they feed on many species of plant-eating insect, especially aphids and their relatives. In late summer, the adults of some species often swarm in great clusters over late-season flowers in sunny places. Larvae are active ground predators and eat a wide range of other invertebrates.
Identification
This is a large group of insects and markings can be variable. However, with attention to details of color, patterning and leg structure and color, most individuals should be identifiable.
Margined Soldier Beetle Chauliognathus marginatus
A variably-marked species, the black may cover most of the wing cases or just the tip. Best told from the more common Goldenrod Soldier Beetle by the dark stripe running down the middle of the thorax and the orange top to the legs.
 |
| |
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle Chauliognathus pensylvanicus
A variably-marked species, but note the pattern of the thorax and the all black legs. An abundant species that often swarms in great numbers over flowers in late summer.
| |
|
 |
| |