Cantharis aneba
McKey-Fender, 1951
soldier beetle
Cantharis aneba is a soldier beetle in the Cantharidae, first described by McKey-Fender in 1951. The is known from North America and includes two : the nominate C. a. aneba and C. a. borealis. As a member of Cantharis, it belongs to a of predatory beetles commonly encountered in gardens and agricultural settings.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cantharis aneba: //ˈkænθərɪs əˈniːbə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Cantharis by specific morphological features described in the original 1951 description by McKey-Fender. The nominate and C. a. borealis differ in geographic distribution, with borealis occurring in more northern regions. General Cantharis features include elongate body form, soft and flexible , and coloration typically combining dark brown to black with orange, red, or yellow markings.
Distribution
North America. The Cantharis aneba borealis occurs in more northern parts of the range.
Similar Taxa
- Cantharis speciesOther members of the share general body plan and coloration patterns; specific identification requires examination of morphological details from the original description.
- Other Cantharidae genera (Chauliognathus, Podabrus)These common California share the soft-winged, elongate form and predatory habits, but differ in specific structural features and geographic distribution.