Cantharis livida
This record describes Cantharis livida (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
11-14mm. All yellow/orange but with a broad black band at the base of the hind femora. The black head spot behind the eyes is unique to this species. Cantharis livida also has a darker form (var. rufipes ). Your specimen should have these features: Areas of long grass, including wasteland, parkland and open woodland. From May to August, but June and July are peak months. This is a carnivorous beetle, the adult hunts other insects, often waiting on flowers for potential prey to arrive. The larvae hunt snails and worms. The species is widespread in England though never common.
Wikipedia reference for Cantharis livida: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharis_livida.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cantharinae
- Tribe
- Cantharini
- Genus
- Cantharis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas of long grass, including wasteland, parkland and open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
From May to August, but June and July are peak months.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This is a carnivorous beetle, the adult hunts other insects, often waiting on flowers for potential prey to arrive. The larvae hunt snails and worms.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in England though never common.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis livida. 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 livida (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis livida
What is Cantharis livida?
Cantharis livida is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cantharis livida found?
Habitat: Areas of long grass, including wasteland, parkland and open woodland.
When is Cantharis livida active?
Cantharis livida: seasonal activity - From May to August, but June and July are peak months..
What is the life cycle of a Cantharis livida?
This is a carnivorous beetle, the adult hunts other insects, often waiting on flowers for potential prey to arrive. The larvae hunt snails and worms.