Cantharidae Collection

Common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) climbing up grass with dew drops, Hertfordshire, England, UK, July - Focus Stacked

Beetle, (Rhagonycha fulva), feeding on oxeye daisy flower, Scotland, UK, July

Max Barclay with Malthodes lobatus, whitehawk soldier beetle
This new beetle was discovered in Brighton, U.K in 2003 by Max Barclay an entomologist at the Natural History Museum, London

Soldier beetles -Cantharidae- mating on a Spurge flower -Euphorbia acanthothamnos-, Datca, Datca Peninsula, Mugla Province, Aegean, Turkey

Common Red Soldier Beetle -Rhagonycha fulva- preparing to fly, Untergroningen, Abtsgmuend, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Common Red Soldier Beetle, Rhagonycha fulva, massing and mating on yellow flower of Wild Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa, Berkshire, England, July

Soldier beetles (Cantharidae) crawling over yellow flower heads of Jacobaea vulgaris (Ragwort), close-up

Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans) adult pair, mating, Leicestershire, England, may

Soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva), artwork. This common species of soldier beetle is up to 11mm long with distinctive red colouring

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The Cantharidae family, commonly known as soldier beetles, showcases the mesmerizing beauty of nature. In one snapshot, a vibrant Common Red Soldier Beetle gracefully climbs up blades of grass adorned with glistening dew drops. Its scarlet body stands out against the green backdrop, creating a striking contrast. Another image captures a beetle from the same family feasting on an oxeye daisy flower in Scotland. The delicate petals serve as its banquet table while it indulges in nectar and pollen. This interaction between insect and flora exemplifies the intricate interconnectedness of ecosystems. Max Barclay is seen here holding a Malthodes lobatus, also known as the whitehawk soldier beetle. With his expertise and passion for these creatures, he sheds light on their fascinating world. Love is in the air for soldier beetles too. A pair can be observed mating on a Spurge flower in Turkey's Datca Peninsula. Their synchronized movements create an enchanting dance amidst nature's colorful tapestry. In Germany's Baden-Wurttemberg region, another Common Red Soldier Beetle prepares to take flight. Its wings unfold gracefully like stained glass windows catching sunlight before soaring into the sky. These beetles are not only captivating individually but also when they gather en masse. On yellow flowers of Wild Parsnip, countless Rhagonycha fulva come together to mate and form stunning clusters that adorn meadows across Europe. Venturing further into Italy's Dolomites reveals yet another intimate moment between two adult Soldier Beetles engaged in mating rituals on a stem. These fleeting encounters remind us of life's fragility and preciousness. Jacobaea vulgaris (Ragwort) serves as both stage and sustenance for these insects crawling over its yellow flower heads in close-up shots captured elsewhere. The vivid colors blend harmoniously with each other—a testament to Mother Nature's artistry. Finally, we witness love transcending borders as a pair of Soldier Beetles mate in Leicestershire, England.