in

Soldier Beetle Beneficial Insect

Soldier beetle
Soldier beetle
Soldier beetle

The soldier beetle is a beneficial insect.

Both adult and especially larvae soldier beetles are voracious eaters preying on insect pests including cucumber beetles, corn rootworms, aphids, grasshopper eggs, caterpillars, and beetle larvae.

A second common name for the soldier beetle is leatherwings.

Attract soldier beetles to the garden by planting goldenrod, milkweed, hydrangeas, and catnip. Soldier beetles will feed for nectar and lay eggs on these plants.

An adult solider beetle is an elongated, slender, nearly flat beetle ⅓ to ½ inches long.

Soldier beetles often have leathery looking wingcovers—thus the name leatherwings. (One of the first species of soldier beetle described had a color pattern reminiscent of the red coats of early British soldiers, hence the common name soldier beetle.)

Adult soldier beetles typically feed and mate on flowers. The female lays eggs in clusters in the soil. Eggs hatch in about ten days.  The tiny larvae are white-colored and display little or no activity until first molt.

With each successive molt, the larvae darken until they become velvety black. And with each molt, the larvae become more active. Soldier beetle larvae feed on a multitude of soft-bodied insects until wintr. They overwinter in the soil and pupate in the spring before emerging. There are up to two generations each year.

Soldier beetles are found throughout North America and there are numerous species.

Scientific Name: Family: Cantharidae

 

Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

How To Grow Tips

How To Grow Tomatoes

How To Grow Peppers

How To Grow Broccoli

How To Grow Carrots

How To Grow Beans

How To Grow Corn

How To Grow Peas

How To Grow Lettuce

How To Grow Cucumbers

How To Grow Zucchini and Summer Squash

How To Grow Onions

How To Grow Potatoes

Herbs on counter

Growing Herbs Indoors Questions Answered

Knotweed

Knotweed Organic Weed Control