Cantharis rotundicollis

Soldier Beetle



Cantharis rotundicollis, Soldier Beetle photo

Family: Cantharidae

Subfamily: Cantharinae

Length: 12-14 mm

 

When the Latin name of a species has "rotundi-" in it, look for something rounded. In the case of Cantharis rotundicollis, one key feature is the elytra being rounded at the base.

This beetle is "rounded" in more than one way, since all members of the genus Cantharis have a pronotum that is rounded at the front, partly hiding the head.

This species is widespread on foliage in West Virginia in late May and early June.

 

Cantharis rotundicollis image, a West Virginia Soldier Beetle

 

Right: Note the pronotum that is rounded at front (common to all members of the genus) and the elytra that are rounded at the front (the trait that gives this species its scientific name).


Insects of West Virginia