About Face
Plague Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus lugubris)
This one had been walking along a blade of grass when it got to the end and had to turn around. Shortly afterwards it simply flew off. It has been many years since I have seen any of these and this is the first I have seen in our garden.
Some information about them:
This species earned its common name of the Plague Soldier Beetle not as a result of bringing or spreading any dangerous plagues, but because of its habit of forming huge mating swarms in late summer. They are seen in smaller numbers in the spring and autumn. During their mating periods they can appear in such large numbers that it is not uncommon for them to weigh down the limbs of weaker plants. After the mating swarm the beetles tend to disperse. They visit flowers and are thought to feed on nectar, pollen and soft-bodied invertebrates. Their larvae live in the soil and eat soft-bodied invertebrates. Their bright colour warns off predators as they are capable of releasing distasteful chemicals and would not make a good meal.
About Face
Plague Soldier Beetle (Chauliognathus lugubris)
This one had been walking along a blade of grass when it got to the end and had to turn around. Shortly afterwards it simply flew off. It has been many years since I have seen any of these and this is the first I have seen in our garden.
Some information about them:
This species earned its common name of the Plague Soldier Beetle not as a result of bringing or spreading any dangerous plagues, but because of its habit of forming huge mating swarms in late summer. They are seen in smaller numbers in the spring and autumn. During their mating periods they can appear in such large numbers that it is not uncommon for them to weigh down the limbs of weaker plants. After the mating swarm the beetles tend to disperse. They visit flowers and are thought to feed on nectar, pollen and soft-bodied invertebrates. Their larvae live in the soil and eat soft-bodied invertebrates. Their bright colour warns off predators as they are capable of releasing distasteful chemicals and would not make a good meal.