About Red Soldier Beetle
A very common soldier beetle in Europe with orange-red elytra tipped in black. It is one of the most familiar beetles on hogweed and other umbellifer flowers.
Did You Know?
In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.
How to Identify Red Soldier Beetle
Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Cantharidae. Adults typically measure 8-10 mm.
Red Soldier Beetle Habitat
Red Soldier Beetle is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Red Soldier Beetle Diet and Feeding
Red Soldier Beetle feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Red Soldier Beetle Found?
Red Soldier Beetle can be found in Europe, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Red Soldier Beetle can be found
Is Red Soldier Beetle Dangerous?
Red Soldier Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Red Soldier Beetle Role in Nature
Red Soldier Beetle plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Soldier Beetle
What does Red Soldier Beetle look like?
The Red Soldier Beetle typically measures 8-10 mm.
Where is Red Soldier Beetle found?
The Red Soldier Beetle is found in Europe and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Red Soldier Beetle eat?
The Red Soldier Beetle feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Red Soldier Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Red Soldier Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Red Soldier Beetle?
In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-soldier-beetle
MLA:
"Red Soldier Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-soldier-beetle.