Common Red Soldier Beetle
The Common Red Soldier Beetle is a medium-sized, narrow beetle with a narrow, rectangular body and longish antennae. It is bright orange-red with black marks near the tips of the wing cases. There are about 40 species of Soldier Beetle in the UK which display various colour combinations of black, red and orange. They are so-named for their various combinations of markings which are reminiscent of a soldier's uniform.
The Common Red Soldier Beetle is also known as the “bloodsucker” for its striking red appearance but it is totally harmless. In fact, it is a beneficial garden insect since the adults eat aphids and the larvae eat ground-dwelling invertebrates such as slugs and snails.
The Common Red Soldier Beetle is widespread and it is commonly found on open-structured flowers, such as daises, cow parsley and hogweed, during the summer months. It can be spotted on grasslands, along hedgerows and in woodland, parks and gardens. The adults spend much of their short, summer lives mating and can often be seen in pairs.
Date: 20th July 2020
Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex
The Common Red Soldier Beetle is also known as the “bloodsucker” for its striking red appearance but it is totally harmless. In fact, it is a beneficial garden insect since the adults eat aphids and the larvae eat ground-dwelling invertebrates such as slugs and snails.
The Common Red Soldier Beetle is widespread and it is commonly found on open-structured flowers, such as daises, cow parsley and hogweed, during the summer months. It can be spotted on grasslands, along hedgerows and in woodland, parks and gardens. The adults spend much of their short, summer lives mating and can often be seen in pairs.
Date: 20th July 2020
Location: Noak Bridge Nature Reserve, Noak Bridge, Essex
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