Cantharis pellucida
This record describes Cantharis pellucida (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
9-12mm. Dark to black elytra and an all-orange/red pronotum. It has thin bands at the tip of the hind femora and typically with dark mid-tibia. Cantharis nigricans has broad black bands at the end of the femora and overall has a duller and more yellowish appearance. Your specimen should have these features: Hedgerows and meadows. They are frequently found on open flowers such as Hawthorn and umbellifers where they feed on both nectar and pollen as well as predating other small insects. The larvae are like velvety caterpillars and they feed on the ground, hunting snails and other small creatures.
Wikipedia reference for Cantharis pellucida: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharis_pellucida.
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 meadows. They are frequently found on open flowers such as Hawthorn and umbellifers where they feed on both nectar and pollen as well as predating other small insects.
Seasonal Activity
Early May to July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are like velvety caterpillars and they feed on the ground, hunting snails and other small creatures.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout most of Britain
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis pellucida. 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 pellucida (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis pellucida
What is Cantharis pellucida?
Cantharis pellucida is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cantharis pellucida found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and meadows. They are frequently found on open flowers such as Hawthorn and umbellifers where they feed on both nectar and pollen as well as predating other small insects.
When is Cantharis pellucida active?
Cantharis pellucida: seasonal activity - Early May to July.
What is the life cycle of a Cantharis pellucida?
The larvae are like velvety caterpillars and they feed on the ground, hunting snails and other small creatures.