Cantharis rustica
This record describes Cantharis rustica (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
9 to 12.5 mm. It has black, shiny elytra (wing cases) covered in fine hairs. The red/orange pronotum has a central black heart spot. The mid and hind tibia are black. Your specimen should have these features: Areas with tall grasses, and in open woodland. It is a predator and hunts mainly on flowers.
Wikipedia reference for Cantharis rustica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantharis_rustica.
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
Areas with tall grasses, and in open woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Mid May to late June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a predator and hunts mainly on flowers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout England and Wales
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cantharis rustica. 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 rustica (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantharis rustica
What is Cantharis rustica?
Cantharis rustica is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cantharis rustica found?
Habitat: Areas with tall grasses, and in open woodland.
When is Cantharis rustica active?
Cantharis rustica: seasonal activity - Mid May to late June.
What is the life cycle of a Cantharis rustica?
It is a predator and hunts mainly on flowers.