A bright orange-and-black beetle that swarms goldenrod blooms in late summer for both pollen and mating opportunities. Despite the name, they're completely harmless and excellent pollinators.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The goldenrod soldier beetle or Pennsylvania leatherwing is a species of soldier beetle (Cantharidae).
Source: Wikipedia — Goldenrod soldier beetle Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Slender beetle with soft body; orange-tan body marked with prominent dark spot on each wing cover; long antennae.
Similar species. Other Cantharidae soldier beetles (many similar species). Fireflies (light-producing organs; lack soft body).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Adults: pollen, nectar, small insects (aphids and other pests). Larvae: soft-bodied insects in soil.
Behavior. Among the most important native pollinators in late summer/early fall, when massive numbers visit goldenrod and asters across eastern North America. Often confused with fireflies (similar shape) but lack light-producing organs. Larvae are predators of agricultural pests including grubs and root maggots — making the species a valuable garden ally.
§ Range
Eastern and central US
§ Habitat
Goldenrod patches, late-summer meadows, garden edges
§ Threats
Loss of goldenrod meadows, lawn-conversion of "weedy" patches, pesticides.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the goldenrod soldier beetle is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Stop treating goldenrod as a weed. Maintain late-summer meadows. Skip pesticides.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Goldenrod soldier beetle
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Chauliognathus pensylvanicus
- iNaturalist · taxon 49284
- IUCN Red List — search for Chauliognathus pensylvanicus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Chauliognathus pensylvanicus
§ Sources cited
- BugGuide
- Xerces Society
- iNaturalist
