Cantharis flavilabris
This record describes Cantharis flavilabris (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The black elytra (wing covers) are shiny and have a layer of very fine hairs. The pronotum can be all black or may have varying amounts of red. The scutellum is black which distinguishes the red pronotum variety from the similar C. nigra which has a red scutellum. If recording the variety with a red pronotum, the colour of the scutellum must be visible in a photograph or recorded in the comments field. Hay meadows, and damper grassland especially near to marsh and water. Relatively common across 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
Hay meadows, and damper grassland especially near to marsh and water.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to late July
Additional species information
Recorded status
Relatively common across England and southern Scotland
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis flavilabris. 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 flavilabris (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis flavilabris
What is Cantharis flavilabris?
Cantharis flavilabris is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cantharis flavilabris found?
Habitat: Hay meadows, and damper grassland especially near to marsh and water.
When is Cantharis flavilabris active?
Cantharis flavilabris: seasonal activity - Late May to late July.