Cantharidae
Guides
Frostia
Frostia is a genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae. Approximately five species have been described. These beetles belong to the order Coleoptera and are characterized by soft, flexible elytra typical of their family.
Malthinus
soldier beetles
Malthinus is a genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae containing more than 140 described species. The genus has been recorded from Europe, North America, Japan, and the Canary Islands. Species occupy diverse habitats ranging from mountainous regions to lowland areas, with some showing distinct altitudinal preferences. The genus has a fossil record extending to the Eocene, with specimens preserved in Baltic amber.
Malthinus difficilis
Malthinus difficilis is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. It is found in North America. Soldier beetles in this family are typically soft-bodied beetles with elytra that are more flexible than those of most beetles.
Malthinus occipitalis
yellow-tipped soldier beetle
Malthinus occipitalis is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as the yellow-tipped soldier beetle. The species was described by LeConte in 1851 and occurs in North America. It is one of three recognized subspecies within the species complex, including the nominate subspecies M. o. occipitalis, M. o. atripennis, and M. o. woodruffi. Soldier beetles in this family are generally soft-bodied and frequent flowers and vegetation.
Malthinus texanus
Malthinus texanus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It was described by Wittmer in 1981. The species is recorded from North America. Soldier beetles in this family are generally soft-bodied beetles with flexible elytra.
Malthodes
soldier beetles
Malthodes is a genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae, containing at least 120 described species. The genus has a long evolutionary history, with fossil relatives dating back to the Late Cretaceous (~99 million years ago). Extant species are distributed across the Palaearctic region, including Europe, the Caucasus, and East Asia. The genus is taxonomically active, with new species described recently from Japan and the Greater Caucasus.
Malthodes arcifer
soldier beetle
Malthodes arcifer is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1881. It belongs to the subfamily Malthininae and tribe Malthodini. The species is native to North America.
Malthodes curvatus
Malthodes curvatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, subfamily Malthininae. It was described by LeConte in 1881. The genus Malthodes is part of the tribe Malthodini, a group of small, often soft-bodied beetles. Fossil relatives in this genus lineage extend back to the Late Cretaceous, indicating an ancient evolutionary history for this group.
Malthodes fuliginosus
Malthodes fuliginosus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The genus Malthodes is characterized by small body size and reduced elytra that leave much of the abdomen exposed. This species occurs in North America, though its specific biology remains poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Malthodes parvulus
Malthodes parvulus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, subfamily Malthininae, and tribe Malthodini. It is a small beetle found in North America, with records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The genus Malthodes is part of an ancient lineage, with fossil relatives dating to the Late Cretaceous. Members of this genus are typically associated with flowers and vegetation.
Malthodes spado
soldier beetle
Malthodes spado is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. It belongs to the subfamily Malthininae and tribe Malthodini. The species is known to occur in North America. Members of the genus Malthodes are generally small soldier beetles with reduced elytra.
Pacificanthia
Pacificanthia is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) established by Kazantsev in 2002. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed in North America, including the northeastern United States. Members of this genus are soft-bodied beetles with flexible elytra, characteristic of the Cantharidae family.
Pacificanthia rotundicollis
Rotund-collared Soldier Beetle
Pacificanthia rotundicollis is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, found across North America. The species is characterized by its rounded pronotum, which distinguishes it from congeners. It has been recorded from eastern Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and throughout the United States. The species is commonly encountered in field observations, with over 1,400 records on iNaturalist.
Plectonotum excisum
Plectonotum excisum is a species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) described by Schaeffer in 1908. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized beetles characterized by soft elytra. The species is recorded from North America.
Podabrus
soldier beetle, leatherwing
Podabrus is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) found in California. Adults are elongate beetles with soft, flexible wing covers that give rise to the common name "leatherwings." The genus is one of three common genera of soldier beetles in California, alongside Cantharis and Chauliognathus. Members of this genus are diurnal and frequently observed on flowers or foliage.
Podabrus
Podabrus sp-two-ariz is an undescribed species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) from Arizona. Like other Podabrus, it belongs to a genus of elongate, soft-bodied beetles commonly found on flowers and foliage. The genus is widespread in North America and includes species active as adults during daylight hours. This particular designation refers to a morphospecies awaiting formal description.
Podabrus appendiculatus
Podabrus appendiculatus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by Fall in 1928. It belongs to a genus commonly found in California and across North America. Like other soldier beetles, it is likely predatory on soft-bodied insects, though species-specific documentation is limited.
Podabrus brevicollis
Short-collared Soldier Beetle
Podabrus brevicollis is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as the Short-collared Soldier Beetle. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States (Vermont). The genus Podabrus is one of the common genera of soldier beetles in North America, with adults typically active during the day and associated with flowers or foliage.
Podabrus brunnicollis
soldier beetle
Podabrus brunnicollis is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It belongs to the genus Podabrus, one of several common genera of soldier beetles in North America. The species is found across North America, though specific details of its biology and ecology are limited in the available literature. As with other members of Cantharidae, adults are likely active during daylight hours and associated with vegetation.
Podabrus brunnicollis poricollis
soldier beetle
Podabrus brunnicollis poricollis is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Like other members of the genus Podabrus, it is an elongate beetle with soft, flexible wing covers. The species is found in California and contributes to biological control of aphids and other soft-bodied insects in gardens and agricultural settings.
Podabrus conspiratus
soldier beetle, leatherwing
Podabrus conspiratus is a species of soldier beetle in the family 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.
Podabrus diadema
soldier beetle
Podabrus diadema is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Fabricius in 1798. It is native to North America, with distribution records from eastern Canada including New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. As a member of the soldier beetles, it belongs to a group known for soft, flexible elytra and aphid predation.
Podabrus dreisbachi
soldier beetle
Podabrus dreisbachi is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of its genus, it is an elongate beetle with soft, flexible wing covers.
Podabrus edmundsae
soldier beetle
Podabrus edmundsae is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by Fender in 1953. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it shares the general characteristics of soldier beetles, including elongated bodies and soft, flexible wing covers. The species is one of approximately 160 soldier beetle species in California across 11 genera.
Podabrus falli
Podabrus falli is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Hopping in 1929. It belongs to the genus Podabrus, one of approximately 160 soldier beetle species found in North America. Soldier beetles in this genus are characterized by their soft, flexible elytra and typically exhibit coloration combining dark brown to black with orange, red, or yellow markings. The species has been recorded in western Canada, specifically Alberta and British Columbia.
Podabrus fayi
Fay's Soldier Beetle
Podabrus fayi is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as soldier beetles or leatherwings, recognized for their soft, flexible elytra and frequent aposematic coloration. The species is found in North America, though specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
Podabrus fissus
soldier beetle, leatherwing
Podabrus fissus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by LeConte in 1881. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it shares the characteristic elongate body form and soft, flexible elytra typical of leatherwings. The species is found in North America and exhibits the aphid-feeding behavior common to many Cantharidae.
Podabrus frater
Podabrus frater is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by LeConte in 1851. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it possesses soft, flexible elytra that give soldier beetles their alternative common name of "leatherwings." The genus Podabrus is one of several common genera of soldier beetles in North America.
Podabrus intrusus
soldier beetle
Podabrus intrusus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Green in 1947. The species is found in North America, with records from eastern Canada including New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. Like other members of the genus Podabrus, it is likely a predator of soft-bodied insects, though specific details for this species are limited.
Podabrus knobeli
soldier beetle
Podabrus knobeli is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is native to North America and is one of approximately 160 soldier beetle species found in California. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it shares the characteristic elongated body form and aphid-feeding habits common to this group of beneficial garden insects.
Podabrus modestus
soldier beetle
Podabrus modestus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults measure 8.5–11 mm in length. The species occurs in eastern North America, including Canada and the United States. Like other soldier beetles, it is active during the day and commonly found on flowers and foliage.
Podabrus nothoides
soldier beetle
Podabrus nothoides is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. The species is distributed across parts of North America including Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Ontario in Canada. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it shares the general characteristics of soldier beetles including soft, flexible elytra and predatory habits.
Podabrus planulus
Podabrus planulus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with records from Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and other regions. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it shares the general characteristics of soldier beetles: elongated body form, soft and flexible elytra, and predatory habits.
Podabrus pruinosus
downy leather-winged beetle
Podabrus pruinosus, commonly known as the downy leather-winged beetle, is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults measure 9–15 mm in length and are distinguished by their orange bodies with black-brown, finely hairy wing covers. The species is active during spring and summer, when adults have been observed feeding on aphids. Larvae are larger than adults, reaching 15–20 mm, and live in soil.
Podabrus pruinosus atrocervicus
Podabrus pruinosus atrocervicus is a subspecies of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) described by Fender in 1962. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it belongs to a group of elongate, soft-bodied beetles commonly known as soldier beetles or leatherwings. The subspecies epithet "atrocervicus" suggests dark or blackish coloration on the head or pronotum region. Like other Cantharidae, adults are likely diurnal and associated with flowers or vegetation where they feed on pollen, nectar, or small insects.
Podabrus pruinosus comes
soldier beetle
Podabrus pruinosus comes is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. As with other members of the genus Podabrus, it belongs to a group commonly known as soldier beetles due to their coloration reminiscent of British military uniforms. The species name "pruinosus" refers to a frosted or pruinose appearance. This subspecies is part of a diverse North American beetle fauna, with the genus Podabrus being one of the common genera of soldier beetles in California and western North America.
Podabrus pruinosus diversipes
Podabrus pruinosus diversipes is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by Fall in 1927. As a member of the genus Podabrus, it shares the characteristic soft, flexible elytra that give soldier beetles their alternative common name of 'leatherwings.' The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread P. pruinosus species complex. Like other cantharids, adults are likely diurnal and associated with flowers.
Podabrus pruinosus gradatus
Podabrus pruinosus gradatus is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It belongs to a genus of elongate, soft-bodied beetles commonly found on flowers. Like other cantharids, it likely exhibits aposematic coloration warning predators of its chemical defenses. The subspecific status indicates geographic or morphological variation within the broader P. pruinosus species complex.
Podabrus punctulatus
Podabrus punctulatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is native to North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Québec) and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group of soft-bodied beetles commonly known as leatherwings due to their flexible elytra. The species is part of a diverse North American fauna of approximately 160 soldier beetle species in 11 genera.
Podabrus quadratus
soldier beetle
Podabrus quadratus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it is recognized by its elongate body and contrasting coloration of dark brown to black with orange, red, or yellow markings. The species has been observed actively hunting aphids and other soft-bodied insects on vegetation. Adults are diurnal and frequently encountered on flowers or foliage infested with honeydew-producing insects.
Podabrus tomentosus
Tomentous Soldier Beetle
Podabrus tomentosus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as the Tomentous Soldier Beetle. It is found in North America, with observations recorded in Ontario, Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is an active predator of soft-bodied insects. The species is part of a diverse group of soldier beetles, with approximately 160 species in 11 genera occurring in California alone.
Podabrus tricostatus
Three-ribbed Soldier Beetle
Podabrus tricostatus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States (Vermont). The species is part of a diverse genus of soldier beetles that are commonly associated with flowers and foliage where they prey on soft-bodied insects.
Polemius canadensis
Polemius canadensis is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, described by W.J. Brown in 1940. It occurs in North America with confirmed records from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario in Canada. As a member of Cantharidae, it shares the general characteristics of soldier beetles, including soft elytra and a somewhat flattened body form.
Polemius laticornis
Wide-horned Soldier Beetle
Polemius laticornis is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada (Ontario, Québec) and the United States (Vermont). The species has been documented in over 1,000 observations on iNaturalist.
Polemius repandus
Polemius repandus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1881. It belongs to a genus of soft-bodied beetles commonly found on flowers and vegetation. The species is recorded from eastern North America, with confirmed observations in New Brunswick and Québec, Canada. Like other cantharids, it is likely predatory or omnivorous as an adult, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Rhagonycha
An undescribed species within the genus Rhagonycha, a group of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae. The genus Rhagonycha comprises elongate, soft-bodied beetles with leathery elytra, commonly found on flowers and vegetation. This particular taxon has not yet received formal scientific description. Species in this genus are typically predatory or feed on pollen and nectar as adults.
Rhagonycha angulata
Angular Soldier Beetle
Rhagonycha angulata is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is distributed across North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Ontario) and the United States. As a member of the soldier beetles, it belongs to a family characterized by soft bodies and frequent presence on flowers.
Rhagonycha campestris
soldier beetle
Rhagonycha campestris is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. As a member of the soldier beetle family, it belongs to a group of soft-bodied beetles commonly found on flowers and foliage. The species was described by Green in 1941.
Rhagonycha coloradensis
Rhagonycha coloradensis is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It was described by Green in 1941. The species is known from North America. As a member of the Cantharidae family, it belongs to a group of beetles commonly known as soldier beetles, which are typically soft-bodied and often found on flowers.
Rhagonycha fulva
Common Red Soldier Beetle, Bloodsucker Beetle, Hogweed Bonking Beetle
Rhagonycha fulva, commonly known as the common red soldier beetle or hogweed bonking beetle, is a soft-bodied beetle in the family Cantharidae. It was first described by Scopoli in 1763 as Cantharis fulva. The species is widespread across Europe and Anatolia, and has been introduced to North America where it is established in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario. Adults are active from June to August and are frequently observed mating on flowers.