Leatherwing
Guides
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 lecontei
soldier beetle
Cantharis lecontei is a species of soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) described by Fall in 1936. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Ontario, Canada and broader North American distribution. As a member of the genus Cantharis, it shares the characteristic soft, flexible elytra that give soldier beetles their common name of 'leatherwings.'
Cantharis livida
pale soldier beetle
Cantharis livida, commonly known as the pale soldier beetle, is a soft-bodied beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults measure 10–15 mm and display variable coloration, with bright red or orange head, thorax, and abdomen contrasting with yellow to reddish-brown elytra. Both adults and larvae are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates. The species is widespread across Europe and the eastern Palearctic, and has been introduced to eastern North America.
Cantharis rufa
soldier beetle
Cantharis rufa is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) measuring 8–11 mm in length. It is widely distributed across the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to North America, where it is expanding its range. The species has an annual life cycle with two 'prolarval' and six larval instars. Adults are active from mid-May to mid-July.
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.
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 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 lewisi vittatus
Lewis' soldier beetle (striped subspecies)
Chauliognathus lewisi vittatus is a subspecies of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. The nominate species C. lewisi is distributed in western North America, and the subspecies vittatus appears to represent a striped or banded color morph. Soldier beetles in this genus are commonly found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar, and adults are known predators of soft-bodied insects such as aphids. The subspecific epithet "vittatus" refers to the presence of longitudinal stripes or bands on the elytra, distinguishing it from other populations of C. lewisi.
Chauliognathus marginatus
Margined Leatherwing, Margined Soldier Beetle
Chauliognathus marginatus is a soldier beetle (family Cantharidae) distributed across North and Central America. Adults are diurnal and strongly associated with flowers, particularly white-blooming species. A 2023 study using iNaturalist data demonstrated that this species exhibits statistically significant color preference for white flowers compared to availability, distinguishing it from the closely related Chauliognathus pensylvanicus which prefers yellow flowers. Both larvae and adults are predatory, contributing to biological control of pest insects.
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
soldier beetle
Podabrus is a genus of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) found in California. Members are elongate beetles with soft, flexible wing covers that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The genus is one of approximately 11 genera of soldier beetles occurring in California, with about 160 species total in the state. Adults are diurnal and frequently observed on flowers or foliage.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.