Soldier Beetle
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Stinky Shield
Soldier Beetle can ooze bad-tasting chemicals from its joints, helping them deter hungry birds and other predators.
Ability
Pollen Power-Up
Soldier Beetle has fine hairs and visits flowers, helping them transfer pollen and feed on nectar for energy.
Ability
Underground Hunter
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Common Soldier BeetleGolden Soldier Beetle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soldier Beetle's wingspan?
20-40 mm
How big is Soldier Beetle?
10-20 mm
How long does Soldier Beetle live?
30-90 days
What does Soldier Beetle eat?
Adult soldier beetles sip nectar and pollen, but also hunt tiny insects like aphids!
Where is Soldier Beetle usually found?
Fields and meadows
How does Soldier Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Soldier Beetle have?
6
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