Colorado Soldier Beetle
ExploreInsects
Colorado Soldier Beetle
Chauliognathus basalis
The Colorado Soldier Beetle is a bright orange insect that loves to munch on flowers and plants. They are often seen in gardens and fields, making them fun to spot!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Colorado Soldier Beetle has a distinctive bright orange-yellow body contrasted with black markings. It features a prominent black spot on its pronotum, right behind the head, and its wing covers often have black tips. This vibrant coloration makes it visually distinct from many other garden beetles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCantharidaeGenusChauliognathus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult soldier beetles love to gather in large groups on flowers, looking for mates!
Their bright colors warn hungry birds that they taste bad and should be avoided!
Their larvae live in soil, eating pests and decaying matter before becoming adults!
They are sometimes called 'Leatherwings' because their wing covers are soft and flexible!
Special abilities
Ability
Stinky Shield
The Colorado Soldier Beetle can release foul-tasting chemicals from its body, helping them deter hungry predators.
Ability
Sweet Sips
The Colorado Soldier Beetle can drink nectar from flowers using its mouthparts, which helps them transfer pollen between plants.
Ability
Garden Guardian
The Colorado Soldier Beetle can hunt and eat small soft-bodied insects, helping control pest populations in gardens.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 15-24 mm
- Size
- 8-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-60 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar and hunt small insects, while larvae eat soil pests.
Age differences: Larvae are primarily predatory on soil-dwelling pests and detritivores, adults are omnivorous.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Pollen
- Aphids
- Small caterpillars
- Insect eggs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
Black Bean Aphid
Aphis fabae
Adults and larvae prey on this soft-bodied garden pest.
pollinates
Canada Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis
Feeds on nectar, helping this wildflower spread its seeds.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
May be eaten by birds, despite its warning coloration.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These beetles are safe to observe, but it's best to watch them without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado Soldier Beetle's wingspan?
15-24 mm
How big is Colorado Soldier Beetle?
8-12 mm
How long does Colorado Soldier Beetle live?
30-60 days
How fast can Colorado Soldier Beetle fly?
8 km/h
What does Colorado Soldier Beetle eat?
Adults sip nectar and hunt small insects, while larvae eat soil pests.
Where is Colorado Soldier Beetle usually found?
Grasslands
How does Colorado Soldier Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Colorado Soldier Beetle have?
6
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