Common Red Soldier Beetle

Common Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva) are a common sight in late spring or early summer in the Charlton Down Nature Area where they are most noticeable on the white flowers of native hogweed plants. The elongate and soft-winged adults with their long and slender antennae are often seen in mating pairs. Their larvae are carnivorous and feed on arthropods.

Useful Books and Links

Britain’s Insects, A field guide to the insects of Great Britain and Ireland, Paul D. Brock, 2021, Amateur Entomological Society, Wild Guides Ltd, ISBN 978-0-691-17927-8

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/invertebrates/beetles/common-red-soldier-beetle

A Guide to British Soldier beetles from naturespot.org.uk