Species: Red Soldier Beetle or Hogweed Bonking Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
Family: Soldier Beetles (CANTHARIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: Widespread
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Soldier Beetles (CANTHARIDAE)
These soft-bodied, straight-sided beetles were so-named because a red species first discovered had the appearance of the British ‘red-coat’ soldiers’ uniform. They have soft elytra (wing cases) and are sometimes called leatherwings.
C. Red Soldier Beetle or Hogweed Bonking Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
The Red Soldier Beetle or Hogweed Bonking Beetle is a common beetle seen on hogweed flowers from May until August. Its lurid red colour gives it the common name of 'bloodsucker' (which it certainly doesn't do), but it actually eats aphids as well as nectar and pollen. They are indeed valuable pollinators.
Images
Red Soldier Beetle or Hogweed Bonking Beetle
Red Soldier Beetle or Hogweed Bonking Beetle is a common beetle seen on hogweed flowers from May until August.
Red Soldier Beetle or Hogweed Bonking Beetle
These soft-bodied, straight-sided beetles were so-named because a red species first discovered had the appearance of the British ‘red-coat’ soldiers’ uniform.
Red Soldier Beetle or Hogweed Bonking Beetle
True to form, this couple of Bonking Hogweed Beetles are on a Hogweed flower. Having short lives and a clear purpose, this couple are making the most things. Should you be so minded, there is a Wikipedia page that contains an excellent video of this in copula action. These photographs suggest that the female is noticeably larger than the male.
