Cantharis nigricans
This record describes Cantharis nigricans (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 9 to 11 mm. The elytra appear grey from the coating of short flat hairs amongst the longer ones. The yellow-orange pronotum may have a central darker mark and typically has a lighter orange ring around the edge. There is a broad black band on the hind legs at the tip of the femora (broader than that in the similar C. pellucida). Usually, the mid tibia are orange, though older specimens may show some darkening. Cantharis pellucida has narrow black bands at the tip of the femora, not broad like those on C. nigricans . Your specimen should have these features: Hedgerows and flower meadows where they visit blossom and flowers such as Hogweed. Cantharidae larvae live on the ground and are carnivorous, feeding on smaller insects. The adults are also carnivorous, but are greatly attracted to flowers where they hunt other flower-visiting insects.
Wikipedia reference for Cantharis nigricans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharis_nigricans.
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
Hedgerows and flower meadows where they visit blossom and flowers such as Hogweed.
Seasonal Activity
Peaking May to July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Cantharidae
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and quite common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis nigricans. 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 nigricans (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis nigricans
What is Cantharis nigricans?
Cantharis nigricans is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cantharis nigricans?
9 to 11 mm. The elytra appear grey from the coating of short flat hairs amongst the longer ones. The yellow-orange pronotum may have a central darker mark and typically has a lighter orange ring around the edge. There is a broad black band on the hind legs at the tip of the femora (broader than that in the similar C. pellucida). Usually, the mid tibia are orange, though older specimens may show some darkening.
Where is Cantharis nigricans found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and flower meadows where they visit blossom and flowers such as Hogweed.
When is Cantharis nigricans active?
Cantharis nigricans: seasonal activity - Peaking May to July.
What is the life cycle of a Cantharis nigricans?
Cantharidae