Species

Soldier beetles belong to the order Coleoptera and the family Cantharidae. They are also known as leather-winged beetles.

Identification

Life Cycle

Female soldier beetles lay their eggs in the spring time in moist areas with ample coverage from the sun such as in soil, leaf litter, and forested areas. The eggs hatch during the summer and remain in the larval stage until fall. The mobile larvae seek out and attack prey during the summer before overwintering in moist, covered areas similar to the locations where they were born. They pupate during this stage until the spring at which time they develop into adults. The entire life cycle lasts around one year.

Prey

Aphids
Caterpillars
Grasshopper eggs
Beetle larvae
Snails
Slugs

Function

Soldier beetles are unique in that they are predaceous during both the larval and adult stages. With developed legs and head, larvae are able to move around and actively seek out their prey. Their main focus is on insect eggs and immobile larvae as well as other small insects living in the cool, moist areas that they inhabit. Adults are able to move out of the soil and covered areas and are considered excellent controls of aphids. When not feeding on aphids and other insects, adult soldier beetles feed on the pollen of flowering plants. In some cases soldier beetles have even been known to pollinate other plants.

Commercial Availability

Soldier beetles are not available for purchase.

Cultivation Techniques

Since soldier beetles occur naturally in gardens there are two things one can do to encourage their arrival and their stay. First off be sure to have moist, healthy soil with leaf and plant litter scattered throughout. These areas are home to the soldier beetle for ¾ of its life so without them they won't be able to survive. Secondly, be sure to have a plentitude of flowering plants for adult soldier beetles to feed on. While they are predators they also feed on the pollen of these plants. If there is a low supply of prey and not enough pollen, soldier beetles will move on to another yard or garden where there is a greater food supply.

References

Flint, Mary Louise, and Steve H. Dreistadt. Natural Enemies Handbook: The Illustrated Guide to
Biological Pest Control. Berkeley: UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of California Press, 1998.

Frahm, Annette, Brendan Jordan and Andrea Imler. A Photo Guide to Beneficial Insects.
King County, 2003.

Newton, Blake. "Soldier Beetles of Kentucky." 2006. Department of Entomology. University of
Kentucky. 3 Oct 2008. < http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/beetles/soldier/soldier.htm>.

"Soldier Beetle." 2005. Department of Entomology. Iowa State University. 3 Oct 2008.
<http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/soldier.html>.