Soldier Beetle

Eryniopsis lampyridarum (Thaxt.)

Soldier Beetles are bright and bold insects that look like tiny soldiers! They are great for gardens because they eat other pests.

Habitat: Fields and meadows

Appearance

The Soldier Beetle is an elongated, soft-bodied insect, often brightly colored with red, orange, or yellow markings contrasting with black. Its distinctive, flexible wings and long antennae help differentiate it from many harder-shelled beetles found in gardens.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderEntomophthoralesFamilyEntomophthoraceaeGenusEryniopsis

Soldier Beetle

Interesting facts

A special fungus can infect a soldier beetle's brain, making it climb high to spread more spores!

Many species of soldier beetles are super helpful in gardens because they love to munch on aphids!

Their bright colors reminded people of old military uniforms, which is how they got their name!

Young soldier beetles, called larvae, are fierce hunters that live underground eating slugs!

Special abilities

Soldier Beetle can ooze bad-tasting chemicals from its joints, helping them deter hungry birds and other predators.

Soldier Beetle has fine hairs and visits flowers, helping them transfer pollen and feed on nectar for energy.

Young Soldier Beetles are expert hunters underground, using strong jaws to catch slugs and other insect larvae.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 20-40 mm
Size: 10-20 mm
Lifespan: 30-90 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adult soldier beetles sip nectar and pollen, but also hunt tiny insects like aphids!

Age differences: Larvae are carnivores, eating slugs, snails, and other insect larvae underground.

Primary Foods

Nectar
Pollen
Aphids
Small caterpillars
Insect eggs

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Soldier Beetle Zombie Fungus

Eryniopsis lampyridarum

Infects and controls beetle behavior for spore dispersal.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Robins often feast on beetles found in gardens and fields.

hunts

Green Peach Aphid

Myzus persicae

Adults and larvae both prey on these soft-bodied garden pests.

depends on

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Adult beetles feed on its nectar and pollen for energy.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.