08/08/2024
One species of beetle, the Goldenrod Solider Beetle is very visible this time of year 🔭
There many species of soldier beetles (family Cantharidae) in North America. These elongate insects have soft, flexible elytra (wing covers) and resemble fireflies, but do not have light-producing organs.
Goldenrod soldier beetle or Pennsylvania leatherwing (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus) is one of the most common species of soldier beetle in the Midwest. These 5/8-inch long, orange beetles, with two prominent brown-black spots on the elytra (outer wing coverings), often are seen on goldenrod flowers – hence the common name – but they will also visit many other flowers, including yellow composites, Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), milkweed, rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) and other late-summer flowering plants.
Adults may be seen from July to September but are most abundant in August. They can be found in meadows, fields and in gardens. They feed primarily on pollen and nectar of flowers but may also eat small insects such as caterpillars, eggs and aphids.
📸: Wehr Nature Center
