Cantharidae
Guides
Atalantycha
Soldier beetles
Atalantycha is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) established by Kazantsev in 2005. The genus contains at least four described species, including Atalantycha bilineata, commonly known as the two-lined cantharid. Atalantycha bilineata has been documented visiting apple flowers, contributing to nocturnal pollination services in agricultural settings.
Atalantycha bilineata
Two-lined Leatherwing, two-lined cantharid, two-lined leather-wing
Atalantycha bilineata, commonly known as the Two-lined Leatherwing or two-lined cantharid, is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America and has been documented visiting apple flowers as a nocturnal pollinator. The species is recognizable by its distinctive color pattern and is frequently observed during citizen science events such as the City Nature Challenge.
Atalantycha neglecta
Neglected Soldier Beetle
Atalantycha neglecta is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Vermont). The species has been documented visiting apple flowers in pollination studies, where it was observed as a nocturnal visitor. Adults are active during spring and early summer. Like other soldier beetles, it likely has soft, flexible elytra compared to many beetles.
Belotus bicolor
Belotus bicolor is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Brancucci in 1979. The species is found in Central America and North America. Soldier beetles in this family are generally soft-bodied beetles with flexible elytra. The specific epithet "bicolor" suggests a two-toned color pattern, though detailed descriptions of this species' appearance are not well documented in available sources.
Caccodes
Caccodes is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) established by Sharp in 1885. The genus is poorly documented in modern literature, with limited species-level revision. Like other cantharids, members are likely soft-bodied beetles with parallel-sided elytra. The genus appears to have restricted geographic distribution, primarily known from the Australasian region based on specimen records.
Cantharini
soldier beetles
Cantharini is a tribe of soldier beetles within the family Cantharidae, established by Imhoff in 1856. The tribe encompasses more than 40 genera and over 500 described species globally. Members are commonly known as soldier beetles and are recognized for their soft, flexible elytra and often bright coloration. The tribe represents one of the major lineages within the subfamily Cantharinae.
Cantharis
soldier beetle, leatherwing
Cantharis is a large genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae. Members possess soft, flexible elytra that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' Both adults and larvae are partially carnivorous, preying on soft-bodied invertebrates, though adults may feed primarily on nectar, pollen, and honeydew. The genus is frequently encountered in meadows and agricultural settings where it contributes to natural pest control.
Cantharis alticola
Mountaineer Cantharid Beetle
Cantharis alticola is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with records from western Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The species is part of a group commonly known as soldier beetles or leatherwings, recognized for their soft, flexible elytra and aphid predation. As a member of the genus Cantharis, it shares traits with approximately 160 soldier beetle species recorded in California alone.
Cantharis transmarina scopa
Cantharis transmarina scopa is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by LeConte in 1866. As a member of the genus Cantharis, it belongs to a group commonly known as soldier beetles or leatherwings, recognized for their soft, flexible elytra and often contrasting color patterns. The subspecific epithet "scopa" refers to a brush-like structure, though its specific application to this taxon requires further investigation. Distribution records indicate presence in North America.
Cantharis tuberculata
soldier beetle
Cantharis tuberculata is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Nova Scotia, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. As a member of the soldier beetle group, it belongs to a family known for soft, flexible elytra and aposematic coloration warning predators of their chemical defenses.
Chauliognathinae
soldier beetles
Chauliognathinae is a subfamily of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) containing at least four genera and approximately 20 described species. The subfamily includes the tribe Ichthyurini, whose genus Ichthyurus comprises roughly 200 species worldwide. Members exhibit notable sexual dimorphism, with males often possessing specialized structures on legs, elytra, or terminal abdominal segments. The first documented predatory behavior in the tribe was reported for Ichthyurus antheraeanus, which preys on early instar larvae of the tasar silkmoth Antheraea mylitta.
Chauliognathus
An undescribed species within the soldier beetle genus Chauliognathus, known from field observations in southern Arizona. The genus comprises soft-bodied beetles commonly called leatherwings or soldier beetles, characterized by their elongated bodies and frequent association with flowers. This particular specimen was encountered during a targeted collecting trip for cerambycid beetles in September 2019.
Chauliognathus basalis
Colorado Soldier Beetle
Chauliognathus basalis, commonly known as the Colorado soldier beetle, is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America and is particularly common on the plains. The species exhibits Müllerian mimicry with other toxic beetles, sharing a black and orange color pattern that advertises its chemical defenses. Adults are active during the day and frequently observed on flowers, especially those of Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed).
Chauliognathus deceptus
Chauliognathus deceptus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It occurs in the foothills and mountains of western North America, where it replaces its close relative C. basalis. Adults display black and orange coloration and possess chemical defenses secreted from abdominal glands. The species participates in Müllerian mimicry with other toxic beetles sharing similar warning coloration.
Chauliognathus discus
soldier beetle
Chauliognathus discus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a diurnal beetle often associated with flowers. The species belongs to a group commonly referred to as soldier beetles or leatherwings, recognized for their soft, flexible elytra. Specific ecological details for this species are limited in available sources.
Chauliognathus discus discus
Chauliognathus discus discus is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. As a member of the genus Chauliognathus, it belongs to a group commonly known as soldier beetles or leatherwings, recognized for their elongated bodies and soft, flexible elytra. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species C. discus. Like other cantharids, adults are diurnal and frequently associated with flowers.
Chauliognathus discus texanus
Chauliognathus discus texanus is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Soldier beetles, also known as leatherwings, are recognized by their soft, flexible elytra and typically aposematic coloration of black with orange, red, or yellow markings. This subspecies belongs to a genus containing multiple species distributed across North America, with adults commonly observed on flowers where they feed on nectar, pollen, and small arthropod prey. The subspecies epithet 'texanus' indicates a geographic association with Texas or the broader south-central region of the United States.
Chauliognathus fasciatus
soldier beetle
Chauliognathus fasciatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It occurs in North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with flowering plants where adults feed on nectar, pollen, and small prey.
Chauliognathus lewisi lewisi
A subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, Chauliognathus lewisi lewisi is known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has been documented in Arizona and adjacent regions, where it occurs in association with flowering vegetation. The subspecies is part of a genus commonly referred to as soldier beetles, many of which are flower visitors and predators of other small insects.
Chauliognathus limbicollis
soldier beetle
Chauliognathus limbicollis is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults have been observed feeding on flowers of yellow Asteraceae, particularly Helianthus annuus (annual sunflower) and Heterotheca species, in shortgrass prairie and mesquite chaparral habitats. The species was historically documented from southwestern states including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, but more recent observations extend its range into Oklahoma.
Chauliognathus omissus
Chauliognathus omissus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America. The species is part of a diverse genus of soldier beetles commonly associated with flowers.
Chauliognathus profundus
Chauliognathus profundus is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) distributed across Central and North America. It has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, where it occurs in montane and canyon habitats. The species has been observed feeding on other insects, including predation on conspecifics and related cantharid species.
Chauliognathus scutellaris
Texas soldier beetle
Chauliognathus scutellaris, commonly known as the Texas soldier beetle, is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Chauliognathus, it is likely associated with flowers and exhibits diurnal activity patterns, though species-specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Cultellunguis
Cultellunguis is a genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae, established by McKey-Fender in 1950. The genus contains approximately nine described species distributed in North America. These beetles are part of the diverse Cantharidae family, which is characterized by soft-bodied adults and larvae that are often predatory or feed on detritus.
Cultellunguis hatchi
Cultellunguis hatchi is a species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) described by McKey-Fender in 1950. The species belongs to a genus of elongate, soft-bodied beetles commonly found in North American habitats. Like other cantharids, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic biology involving predatory or omnivorous feeding habits and association with flowering vegetation.
Cultellunguis ingenuus
Chaparral Leatherwing Beetle
Cultellunguis ingenuus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It occurs in North America, where it has been recorded in chaparral and related habitats. The common name 'Chaparral Leatherwing Beetle' reflects its association with this vegetation type. Like other cantharids, it has soft, flexible elytra.
Cultellunguis perpallens sanctaeclarae
Cultellunguis perpallens sanctaeclarae is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is a member of a genus characterized by slender, elongated bodies and soft elytra typical of the family. The subspecies epithet "sanctaeclarae" suggests a geographic or commemorative association. Like other Cantharidae, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic flexible elytra and active diurnal behavior. Recorded observations are limited, indicating it may be uncommon or underreported.
Dichelotarsus cavicollis
Dichelotarsus cavicollis is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. The species was described by LeConte in 1851. As a member of the Cantharidae, it belongs to a family of soft-bodied beetles commonly found on vegetation. The genus Dichelotarsus is primarily distributed in North America.
Dichelotarsus cavicollis cavicollis
Dichelotarsus cavicollis cavicollis is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It belongs to a genus distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, with most species recorded from South America. The nominate subspecies represents the typical form of the species. Like other cantharids, adults are likely active on vegetation and possess soft, flexible elytra.
Dichelotarsus cinctipennis
Dichelotarsus cinctipennis is a species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) native to eastern Canada. It is one of several species in the genus Dichelotarsus, a group of soft-bodied beetles commonly found in flowering vegetation. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. Available records indicate it occurs in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec.
Dichelotarsus excursus
Dichelotarsus excursus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. The taxonomic status of this species is marked as doubtful in GBIF, indicating uncertainty regarding its validity or distinctness from related taxa. Only a single observation has been recorded on iNaturalist, suggesting it is either extremely rare, poorly documented, or potentially a misidentification or synonym of another species.
Dichelotarsus fissilis
Dichelotarsus fissilis is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) described from western North America. Originally described as Podabrus fissilis by Fall in 1926, it was later transferred to the genus Dichelotarsus. The species is known from a limited number of records in boreal and montane regions of Canada and Alaska. Like other Cantharidae, adults are likely active during daylight hours and associated with vegetation.
Dichelotarsus flavimanus
Yellow-handed Soldier Beetle
Dichelotarsus flavimanus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, characterized by yellowish-orange legs that contrast with its darker body. The species was described by Motschulsky in 1860 and is known from the Holarctic region with documented records in several Canadian provinces. As a member of Cantharidae, it likely shares general traits of the family including soft-bodied form and association with flowers and foliage. The specific epithet 'flavimanus' refers to the yellow-handed appearance.
Dichelotarsus heteronychus
Crookedjaw Soldier Beetle
Dichelotarsus heteronychus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, originally described as Podabrus heteronychus by Fall in 1927. It is known from northern and western Canada. The common name 'Crookedjaw Soldier Beetle' suggests a distinctive mandibular feature, though detailed morphological descriptions remain limited in available sources. Like other Cantharidae, it likely exhibits soft-bodied elytra and predatory or omnivorous feeding habits as an adult.
Dichelotarsus instabilis
Dichelotarsus instabilis is a species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) described by Fall in 1927. The genus Dichelotarsus is a small group of cantharid beetles distributed primarily in western North America. Like other soldier beetles, members of this genus are soft-bodied, elongate beetles typically found on flowers and foliage where they feed on pollen, nectar, and small insects. The specific epithet "instabilis" (Latin for "unstable" or "inconstant") may refer to variable morphological features or coloration, though the original description would need to be consulted for certainty.
Dichelotarsus laevicollis
Softnecked Soldier Beetle
Dichelotarsus laevicollis is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) first described by Kirby in 1837. It is found across northern North America, with records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. The species is known by the common name "Softnecked Soldier Beetle." As a member of Cantharidae, it is a soft-bodied beetle with flexible elytra.
Dichelotarsus limbellus
Dichelotarsus limbellus is a soldier beetle species in the family Cantharidae, first described by LeConte in 1881 under the basionym Podabrus limbellus. The species is known from eastern Canada, with records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. Soldier beetles (Cantharidae) are generally recognized by their soft, elongated bodies and flexible elytra.
Dichelotarsus lygarius
Dichelotarsus lygarius is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. The species was originally described as Podabrus lygarius by Fender in 1962 and later transferred to the genus Dichelotarsus. It occurs in northwestern North America, with records from Alaska, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Dichelotarsus macer
Dichelotarsus macer is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by LeConte in 1861. It is known from western Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia. Soldier beetles in this genus are typically found in association with vegetation and are generalist predators or scavengers as adults.
Dichelotarsus obscureovittatus
Dichelotarsus obscureovittatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Members of this genus are found in the Neotropical region. Soldier beetles are generally soft-bodied beetles with flexible elytra. The species name refers to dark longitudinal markings.
Dichelotarsus puberulus
Dichelotarsus puberulus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. The species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces, suggesting a boreal or transcontinental distribution pattern. Like other members of Cantharidae, it is likely associated with vegetation and flowering plants where adults feed on pollen and small insects. The genus Dichelotarsus is characterized by particular antennal and tarsal structures that distinguish it from related genera.
Dichelotarsus punctatus
Dichelotarsus punctatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850. It is a small to medium-sized beetle found in eastern North America, where it inhabits forested and open habitats. Like other cantharids, it possesses soft, flexible elytra and is likely active during the warmer months, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Dichelotarsus scaber
Dichelotarsus scaber is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) described by LeConte in 1861. It is recorded from western North America, specifically the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, as well as Alaska in the United States. As a member of Cantharidae, it belongs to a family of soft-bodied beetles commonly known as soldier beetles. The genus Dichelotarsus is part of the diverse cantharid fauna of North America.
Dichelotarsus simplex
Dichelotarsus simplex is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Couper in 1865. It is native to eastern Canada, with documented occurrences in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. As a member of Cantharidae, it belongs to a family of soft-bodied beetles commonly associated with flowers and vegetation. The species is rarely recorded, with only 9 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Dichelotarsus tetragonoderus
Flour-plated Soldier Beetle
Dichelotarsus tetragonoderus is a species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) originally described as Podabrus tetragonoderus by Fall in 1926. The species is known from western and northern Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. It is commonly referred to as the "Flour-plated Soldier Beetle," a name likely referencing the pale, flour-like appearance of its elytral pubescence. As with other cantharids, it is presumed to be a generalist predator or pollen feeder, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Discodon abdominale
Discodon abdominale is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by Schaeffer in 1909. It is found in North America. The genus Discodon is part of the diverse soldier beetle family, which contains numerous species with elongated bodies and soft elytra. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Discodon planicolle
Pale-shouldered Soldier Beetle
Discodon planicolle is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as the Pale-shouldered Soldier Beetle. It occurs in North America. The species is documented through over 400 observational records on iNaturalist, indicating it is moderately well-observed in the field. As with other Cantharidae, it likely exhibits soft-bodied elytra and is active during daylight hours.
Ditemnus bidentatus
Ditemnus bidentatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1825. The species is documented from eastern North America, with confirmed records from Québec, Canada. Like other Cantharidae, it likely inhabits vegetation in forested or edge habitats where adults are active during warmer months. The genus Ditemnus is a small group within the soldier beetles, and D. bidentatus represents one of the few described species in this genus.
Ditemnus freemani
Pale-sutured Tropical Soldier Beetle
Ditemnus freemani is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. The common name "Pale-sutured Tropical Soldier Beetle" refers to a distinctive pale line along the elytral suture. Like other cantharids, it has soft, flexible elytra. The species is known from a limited number of observations, primarily in tropical regions.
Ditemnus latilobus
Lateral-lobed Soldier Beetle
A soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, endemic to eastern Canada. The common name refers to the expanded lateral lobes of the pronotum. First described by Blatchley in 1910, this species remains poorly known biologically despite being recognized in the regional fauna.