Cantharis rufa
This record describes Cantharis rufa (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 9 - 11 mm. Variable. The head is usually red with black behind the eyes but may be black in front of the eyes too. There is usually a dark mark on the pronotum but this is variable. The legs vary from all red to having some black but not ringed at the apices. The dark form has dusky red/orange elytra and darker femora. The all-red form lacks any black on the pronotum and legs and is red throughout. This species is larger than the similar Cantharis cryptica and C. pallida - both of which are 7-8mm in length. Rhagonycha translucida lacks the blacks knees and has a pronotum that narrows towards the head. Cantharis figurata is also variable and can be similar but is smaller. Flower meadows and well vegetated areas. Both adults and larvae are predatory. The adults often taking their prey on flowers, whilst larvae hunt on the ground. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, with most Scottish records being from coastal areas.
Wikipedia reference for Cantharis rufa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharis_rufa.
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
Flower meadows and well vegetated areas.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both adults and larvae are predatory. The adults often taking their prey on flowers, whilst larvae hunt on the ground.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales, with most Scottish records being from coastal areas.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis rufa. 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 rufa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis rufa
What is Cantharis rufa?
Cantharis rufa is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cantharis rufa?
9 - 11 mm. Variable. The head is usually red with black behind the eyes but may be black in front of the eyes too. There is usually a dark mark on the pronotum but this is variable. The legs vary from all red to having some black but not ringed at the apices. The dark form has dusky red/orange elytra and darker femora. The all-red form lacks any black on the pronotum and legs and is red throughout.
Where is Cantharis rufa found?
Habitat: Flower meadows and well vegetated areas.
When is Cantharis rufa active?
Cantharis rufa: seasonal activity - Late spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Cantharis rufa?
Both adults and larvae are predatory. The adults often taking their prey on flowers, whilst larvae hunt on the ground.