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Australian Wildlife

  Soldier Beetle (Cantharidae family )





Soldier Beetle | Cantharidae family  photo
Soldier Beetle

Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.

Soldier Beetle | Cantharidae family  photo
Soldier Beetle feeding on flower

Photograph copyright: ozwildlife - all rights reserved. Used with permission.







SOLDIER BEETLE FACTS

Identification
Soldier Beetles are similar in appearance to Lycid Beetles and have a soft flattened body. They are usually coloured in combinations of black, brown and yellow. Some species have a black and yellow striped abdomen like a wasp. The antennae are not serrated like the Lycid beetles.

Size
3mm - 15mm

Habitat
foliage and flowers

Food
nectar, pollen and other small insects

Breeding
Larvae are carnivorous



Classification
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Cantharidae
Genus:Cantharidae family
Species:
Common Name:Soldier Beetle