Podabrus planulus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Elateroidea
- Family: Cantharidae
- Subfamily: Cantharinae
- Tribe: Podabrini
- Genus: Podabrus
- Species: planulus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Podabrus planulus: //pɒˈdæbɹəs ˈplæn.jʊ.ləs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Summary
Podabrus planulus, the soldier beetle, is a North American species characterized by its green coloration and preference for open habitats. It plays a role in pollination and pest control, being active primarily from late May to late August with peak activity in mid-June.
Physical Characteristics
Typically 8.5-12 mm in length, green in color.
Identification Tips
Look for soldier beetles in the Cantharidae family, especially during their active season in mid-June.
Habitat
Prefers open fields and meadows where flowers are present.
Distribution
Found primarily in North America, specifically in regions from Northern states to Manitoba and Tennessee.
Diet
Feeds on nectar and pollen as an adult; larvae are predatory and feed on soft-bodied insects.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with adults typically active from late May to late August.
Reproduction
Reproduces sexually, with adults mating in the summer.
Predators
Predators may include birds and other insectivores that feed on adult beetles.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a pollinator while feeding on flowers and helps control pest populations as a larva.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting during active seasons
- Use of insect nets in open habitats
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinned specimens for taxonomic work
Misconceptions
Often confused with other non-predatory beetles; they are harmless to humans.
Tags
- beetle
- Podabrus
- Cantharidae
- North America