Soldier beetles

Definition

A cosmopolitan family of beetles (Cantharidae) characterized by soft, flexible elytra, straight-sided bodies, and often bright aposematic coloration in red, orange, or yellow with black markings. The common name derives from the resemblance of some species to the red coats of British soldiers; they are also called leatherwings due to their soft wing covers. Adults are frequent flower visitors, feeding on pollen and nectar, while larvae are predatory or feed on soft-bodied invertebrates and decaying matter in soil and leaf litter.

Etymology

From the red-and-black color pattern of early described species, evoking British military uniforms; 'leatherwings' refers to the soft, pliable elytra.

Example

The common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) aggregates on umbellifer flowers in summer, where adults mate and feed while larvae hunt snails and insect eggs in the thatch below.

Synonyms

• leatherwings
• Cantharidae

Related Terms

• Elytra
• aposematic coloration
• flower visitation
• predatory larvae
• Coleoptera
• soft-bodied beetles

Usage Notes

Distinguished from fireflies (Lampyridae) and net-winged beetles (Lycidae) by their more parallel-sided bodies and less dramatically flattened shape; the soft elytra distinguish them from most other beetle families. Not a monophyletic group in common parlance—strictly refers to family Cantharidae, though some regional usage may include related soft-bodied families.