Soldier beetles are common insects frequently observed in gardens and natural environments. Often seen on flowers during warmer months, this article clarifies their impact, addressing common questions about whether these insects pose any threat to humans or plants.
Identifying Soldier Beetles
Adult soldier beetles have elongated, slender bodies, typically 1/16 to 1 1/8 inches (1.5 to 28 mm) long. Their coloration often includes yellow, orange, or red, combined with black or dark markings on their wings and legs. They are also known as “leatherwings” due to their soft, flexible wing covers, which distinguish them from many other beetles with hard wing covers.
These beetles possess long, threadlike antennae with 11 segments, usually held forward. Their head is commonly bent downward, and the pronotum, the segment directly behind the head, is typically wider than the head itself. Soldier beetles are active during the day and are often seen flying or crawling on flowers and leaves.
Are Soldier Beetles Harmful?
Soldier beetles are generally not considered harmful to humans, pets, or garden plants. They do not possess biting or stinging mouthparts that could harm people or animals.
These insects do not cause damage to plants and are not considered garden pests. While often seen on flowers, they do not feed on plant foliage or petals; instead, they feed on nectar, pollen, or other insects. Soldier beetles do not cause structural damage to homes or other buildings; they are outdoor insects that may occasionally enter homes accidentally, often when seeking shelter for overwintering.
Ecological Role of Soldier Beetles
Soldier beetles contribute positively to garden ecosystems through their feeding habits. Adult soldier beetles are predators of various soft-bodied garden pests, including aphids, caterpillars, spider mites, and grasshopper eggs. They actively hunt these insects on plants, which helps manage pest populations. Some species also consume honeydew, a sugary substance produced by certain plant-sucking insects.
Beyond their predatory role, adult soldier beetles also function as minor pollinators. They feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, inadvertently transferring pollen as they move between blooms. This activity supports the reproduction of various flowering plants, including goldenrod, milkweeds, and yarrow. The larval stage of soldier beetles also plays a beneficial role; these ground-dwelling larvae are predatory, feeding on insect eggs and other small soil organisms found in leaf litter and loose soil.