Cantharis decipiens
This record describes Cantharis decipiens (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
7.5 - 8.5mm. The orange/brown elytra and distinctly marked thorax help to distinguish this species from other Cantharis beetles. Rhagonycha limbata has similar colours but the black mark on the pronotum has an angled and not rounded base. Rhagonycha testacea is also similar but here the black mark on the pronotum reaches the front edge - in the other species it stops short leaving a narrow yellow margin. Your specimen should have these features: Can be found in a range of habitats, particularly where there are trees and shrubs, and particularly fond of Hawthorn blossom They are found from April through to late July/early August Fairly frequent throughout England and southern Scotland
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Cantharidae
- Genus
- Cantharis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Can be found in a range of habitats, particularly where there are trees and shrubs, and particularly fond of Hawthorn blossom
Seasonal Activity
They are found from April through to late July/early August
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent throughout England and southern Scotland
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis decipiens. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cantharis decipiens (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis decipiens
What is Cantharis decipiens?
Cantharis decipiens is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cantharis decipiens found?
Habitat: Can be found in a range of habitats, particularly where there are trees and shrubs, and particularly fond of Hawthorn blossom
When is Cantharis decipiens active?
Cantharis decipiens: seasonal activity - They are found from April through to late July/early August.