Cantharis rufa
Linnaeus, 1758
soldier beetle
Cantharis rufa is a ( ) measuring 8–11 mm in length. It is widely distributed across the Palaearctic region and has been to North America, where it is expanding its range. The has an with two 'prolarval' and six larval . are active from mid-May to mid-July.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cantharis rufa: /ˈkanθaˌris ˈruːfa/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Cantharis by the large on the of the foreleg and the bilobed third tarsal on the mid and hind legs. The flattened, widened last segment of the maxillary is also diagnostic. The weakly sclerotised, flexible separate from most other . A peculiar striped elytra form occurs in Central Asia, Siberia, and China.
Images
Appearance
Elongate body, 8–11 mm in length. Simple, weakly sclerotised that are soft and flexible (giving rise to the 'leatherwings'). Flattened and widened last of maxillary . Bilobed third tarsal segment on mid and hind legs. with large on front leg. Coloration typically dark to black with orange, red, or markings. 11-segmented, threadlike, commonly held forward of body. wider than and wider than long. Head commonly bent downward.
Habitat
occur in open lowland , marshy sites, saltmarshes, deciduous woodlands, parks, and hedgerows. Larval habitats include soil, under logs, on , and on snow.
Distribution
to the Palaearctic region, including Britain (common in England and Wales, scattered in Scotland). to the Nearctic region (USA and Canada: Newfoundland west to Ontario, south to Massachusetts, New York and northern Appalachians), with ongoing range expansion to Manitoba.
Seasonality
active from mid-May to mid-July. present year-round in soil and litter; often observed on snow during winter ('snow-').
Diet
are of small soil and litter-dwelling animals but can also feed on matter; successfully reared on soaked wheat grains and other plant materials in laboratory. are , preying on small and feeding on plants.
Life Cycle
with two 'prolarval' ('Vorlarvenstadien') stages followed by six larval .
Behavior
often called 'snow-' due to being found active on snow during winter. When disturbed, may withdraw their legs and drop to the ground as if dead. Adults are and commonly observed on flowers or leaves infested with or other -excreting . Adults and larvae can excrete noxious, defensive chemicals from specialized abdominal glands.
Ecological Role
function as of small soil and litter-dwelling animals. on small including . The blackish and red coloration serves as aposematic warning to vertebrate predators that the are distasteful.
Human Relevance
are in gardens and agricultural settings as of . The has been used in genomic research; its was sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project.
Similar Taxa
- Cantharis lividaSimilar coloration and body form; distinguished by differences in male and tarsal structure.
- Cantharis fuscaOverlapping distribution and use; C. rufa distinguished by the large on the .
- Chauliognathus speciesOther common in some regions; Chauliognathus typically have different color patterns and lack the diagnostic of C. rufa.
More Details
Genomic Resources
sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project (Wellcome Sanger Institute, 2024). Genome assembly available with explicit methods documented.
Introduced Range
Established in northeastern North America; first recorded in Newfoundland, now expanding westward to Manitoba and south to the northern Appalachians.
Etymology
The '' refers to the resemblance of the red and black coloration to the red coats of British during the Revolution.