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Common Red Soldier Beetle

Rhagonycha fulva

The Common Red Soldier Beetle is a bright red insect that loves to be outside in the sunshine. They are often seen on flowers, where they help pollinate plants while looking for food.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Common Red Soldier Beetle has a vibrant orange or red body with soft, flexible wing cases and a black head and legs. Its long, slender antennae help it sense its surroundings. It is easily identified by its distinctive bright colouration and velvety appearance, unlike hard-shelled ladybugs.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCantharidaeGenusRhagonycha
Common Red Soldier Beetle
colorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Common Red Soldier Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite their soft look, their jaws are surprisingly strong for grabbing small insect prey!

Their larvae live hidden underground, hunting tiny creatures and even helping decompose dead matter!

They are often called 'The Lovers' because you frequently spot pairs mating on flowers!

When startled, they sometimes drop to the ground and stay perfectly still, playing dead!

Special abilities

Ability

Pest Patrol

Common Red Soldier Beetles can eat garden pests like aphids, helping plants stay healthy by controlling infestations.

Ability

Stinky Defense

Common Red Soldier Beetles can release a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators, helping them escape danger.

Ability

Flower Finder

Common Red Soldier Beetles have long antennae to help them find mates and flowers for nectar and pollen.

Ability

Pollination Helper

Common Red Soldier Beetles carry pollen between flowers as they feed, helping plants reproduce naturally.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
18-24 mm
Size
8-10 mm
Lifespan
30-60 days
Flight Speed
5 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These beetles munch on small insects like aphids and also enjoy sweet pollen and nectar from flowers.

Age differences: Larvae are primarily predatory, living in soil and feeding on small invertebrates; adults consume insects, pollen, and nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Aphids
  • Pollen
  • Nectar
  • Small caterpillars
  • Other soft-bodied insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Black Bean Aphid

Aphis fabae

for protein and sustenance.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

as a meal for birds.

pollinates

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

while seeking nectar.

eaten by

Garden Cross Spider

Araneus diadematus

gets caught in its web.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These beetles are safe to observe, but it's best not to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Common Red Soldier Beetle's wingspan?

18-24 mm

How big is Common Red Soldier Beetle?

8-10 mm

How long does Common Red Soldier Beetle live?

30-60 days

How fast can Common Red Soldier Beetle fly?

5 km/h

What does Common Red Soldier Beetle eat?

These beetles munch on small insects like aphids and also enjoy sweet pollen and nectar from flowers.

Where is Common Red Soldier Beetle usually found?

Grasslands

How does Common Red Soldier Beetle hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Common Red Soldier Beetle have?

6

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Where to spot

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