Cantharini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Elateroidea
Family: Cantharidae
Subfamily: Cantharinae
Tribe: Cantharini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cantharini: //ˌkænθəˈraɪnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Cantharis livida 2 edit1 by Richard Bartz edited by Muhammad. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Noordwijk - Bleekgele weekschildkever (Cantharis livida) by Rudolphous. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Atalantycha neglecta by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Cantharis livida 160488380 by ruebezahl. Used under a CC0 license.

Cantharis rufa 80281857 by Jake McCumber. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Atalantycha bilineata (47428328561) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Cantharini is a diverse tribe of soldier beetles within the family Cantharidae, comprising more than 90 species in 8 genera in certain regions. Known for their distinctive elongated shape and color patterns, these beetles contribute significantly to their ecosystems, particularly in pollination and biological control of pests.

Physical Characteristics

Soldier beetles possess soft bodies and long, slender forms, often with a distinctive color pattern that can include yellow, orange, or black. They have long antennae and often possess elongated elytra (hardened forewings) that may expose several abdominal segments.

Identification Tips

Look for elongated bodies with soft, sometimes brightly colored exterior; commonly found on flowers or vegetation.

Habitat

Cantharini are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and wooded areas, often favoring environments rich in flowering plants.

Distribution

The tribe Cantharini is primarily distributed in the Holarctic and Oriental regions.

Diet

Adult Cantharini are typically nectar feeders, often observed feeding on nectar from flowers; larvae are predacious, feeding on other larvae or insect eggs.

Life Cycle

Cantharini undergo a complete metamorphosis, which includes the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Details on reproduction are not specified, but most beetles generally lay eggs in suitable habitats for larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Cantharini likely play important roles in pollination as adults, and as larvae, they aid in controlling pest populations by preying on other insects.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping
Hand collection on flowers

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Ethanol preservation

Evolution

Cantharini is a well-defined tribe within the family Cantharidae, showcasing evolutionary adaptations for diversity in feeding and habitat preferences.