Podabrus conspiratus
Fall, 1926
soldier beetle, leatherwing
Podabrus conspiratus is a of soldier beetle in the Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Alaska and British Columbia. Like other members of its family, it is predatory on soft-bodied insects.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Podabrus conspiratus: //poʊˈdeɪ.brəs kɒnˌspɪˈreɪ.təs//
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Distribution
North America; recorded from Alaska, United States and British Columbia, Canada.
Diet
Predatory on soft-bodied insects including aphids, based on documented of the Podabrus and Cantharidae.
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.
Ecological Role
of aphids and other soft-bodied insects; contributes to of pest in gardens and agricultural settings.
Human Relevance
Considered beneficial in gardens for control; no negative impacts to humans documented.
Similar Taxa
- Other Cantharidae genera (Cantharis, Chauliognathus)Share -level traits including soft, flexible and general body form; distinguished by -level characters including pronotum shape and antennal proportions.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'conspiratus' was established by Fall in 1926. The Podabrus is one of three common genera of soldier beetles in California, alongside Cantharis and Chauliognathus.