Cantharis lateralis
This record describes Cantharis lateralis (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 5-7mm. The head and elytra are grey-black but the pronotum is orange, sometimes with small dark marks, and is square-shaped. The legs are usually all yellow/orange except the black rear tibiae. Outer edge of elytra yellow. Widely distributed throughout southern England and the midlands to south Yorkshire with a few scattered records from the west country, west Wales, East Anglia and the north.
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
On thistles and umbellifers.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed throughout southern England and the midlands to south Yorkshire with a few scattered records from the west country, west Wales, East Anglia and the north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis lateralis. 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 lateralis (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis lateralis
What is Cantharis lateralis?
Cantharis lateralis is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cantharis lateralis?
5-7mm. The head and elytra are grey-black but the pronotum is orange, sometimes with small dark marks, and is square-shaped. The legs are usually all yellow/orange except the black rear tibiae. Outer edge of elytra yellow.
Where is Cantharis lateralis found?
Habitat: On thistles and umbellifers.
When is Cantharis lateralis active?
Cantharis lateralis: seasonal activity - Late spring and summer..