Soldier Beetle

Cantharis livida

Description

Over al length 10 - 13.5mm. A large variable species that is predominantly orange with pale brown to black elytra. There is a black central mark on the head and the hind femora have a black distal tip and the hind tibiae are black.

Habitat

Grasslands and hedgerows with umbellifers. The adults feed on other insects and the larvae feed on invertebrates in the soil.

Status and distribution

Fairly common in England and Wales but getting less common further north and in Scotland. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to July.