Red-headed Soldier Beetle
Cantharis rufa
The adult is a soft-bodied beetle found in meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges, and flower-rich grassland. It flies readily between plants, feeding on nectar and pollen while also taking small insects such as aphids. Its red head and contrasting body help make it noticeable on flowers, and related soldier beetles often rely on distasteful chemistry and warning colors to deter predators. Adults are important summer flower visitors and can help control small plant-feeding insects.
- Type
- Fang / Wing
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Red-headed Soldier Beetle