ExploreInsects

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Chauliognathus pensylvanicus

The Goldenrod Soldier Beetle is a bright orange and black insect that loves to munch on flowers. They are often found in gardens and fields, making them fun to spot while exploring nature!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Goldenrod Soldier Beetle has a soft, elongated body with a yellowish-orange head and pronotum, often featuring a black spot. Its flexible wing covers are typically yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, each with a distinctive dark spot near the tip, differing from many hard-shelled beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCantharidaeGenusChauliognathus
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
striped trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adults love to gather on goldenrod flowers, making them super easy to spot!

Baby soldier beetles (larvae) live in the soil and eat tiny slugs and insect eggs.

They're called "soldier beetles" because their wing covers resemble uniforms, not armor!

Unlike many beetles, their wing covers are soft and flexible, not hard and rigid.

Special abilities

Ability

Aphid Hunter

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle can prey on soft-bodied insects like aphids, helping plants by controlling pest populations.

Ability

Flower Helper

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle helps flowers reproduce by moving pollen between them as it feeds on nectar and pollen.

Ability

Chemical Shield

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle has a unique chemical defense that makes it taste bad to predators, helping it avoid being eaten.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-28 mm
Size
10-14 mm
Lifespan
7-21 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar and munch pollen from flowers, while their babies hunt tiny garden pests!

Age differences: Larvae are carnivorous, feeding on insect eggs, small slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates in the soil.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Aphids
  • Small slugs
  • Insect eggs

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These beetles are safe to observe but don't touch them too much to keep them happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Goldenrod Soldier Beetle's wingspan?

20-28 mm

How big is Goldenrod Soldier Beetle?

10-14 mm

How long does Goldenrod Soldier Beetle live?

7-21 days

What does Goldenrod Soldier Beetle eat?

Adults sip nectar and munch pollen from flowers, while their babies hunt tiny garden pests!

Where is Goldenrod Soldier Beetle usually found?

Grasslands

How does Goldenrod Soldier Beetle hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Goldenrod Soldier Beetle have?

6

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Where to spot

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