Soldier beetle (Chauliognathus sp) over a Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia tubaeformis)

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Chauliognathus is a genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae. Adults have almost rectangular bodies. Some are red and black, similar to the military uniforms that were common before the usage of camouflage, hence the name of soldier beetles. Others are orange and black. The elytra or first pair of wings are softer than the elytra of most beetles, that is why their other common name is leatherwings. The adults are frequently found on flowers, such as sunflowers, goldenrod, coneflowers, where they mate and feed on pollen and nectar. The larvae are more common in the ground or among debris, where they feed on eggs or larvae of other insects. The adults are most frequently found in summer and early fall. They are native to North America, especially the eastern part.

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Size: 4287px × 2848px
Location: Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Photo credit: © Guillermo Lopez Barrera / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: beetle, cantharidae, chauliognathus, insect, orange, soldier, sunflower, tithonia, tubaeformis, tubiformis, wings