Cantharis fidelis

(LeConte, 1851)

soldier beetle

Cantharis fidelis is a of soldier beetle in the Cantharidae, found in North America. soldier beetles are elongate with soft, flexible wing covers that give rise to the 'leatherwings.' The family is characterized by defensive chemical and . This species was described by LeConte in 1851.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cantharis fidelis: /ˈkanθəˌrɪs fɪˈdɛlɪs/

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Identification

Cantharis fidelis belongs to the Cantharis, one of the common genera of soldier beetles in California. typically display the -characteristic elongate body form with soft, flexible . The is commonly bent downward, with 11-segmented, threadlike held forward of the body. The pronotum is usually wider than the head and wider than long. Coloration likely includes orange, red, or yellow markings on a dark brown to black background, as is typical for the genus, though specific pattern details for C. fidelis are not documented in the provided sources.

Distribution

North America.

Behavior

When disturbed, may withdraw their legs and drop to the ground as if dead. Adults, larvae, and pupae can excrete noxious, defensive chemicals from specialized abdominal glands.

Similar Taxa

  • ChauliognathusAnother common of soldier beetles in California with similar elongate body form and soft ; distinguished by specific color patterns and structural details not detailed for C. fidelis.
  • PodabrusThird common of soldier beetles in California; differs in specific morphological characteristics not specified in available sources.

Sources and further reading