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Classification Coleoptera Family: Cantharidae

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Length 11 - 14mm.

Phenology May to August, but June and July are peak months.

Identification All yellow/orange but with black on the hind leg tibiae which extends above the 'knees' onto the base of the femora. Cantharis livida also has a darker form (var. rufipes).

Life Cycle This is a carnivorous beetle, the adult hunts other insects, often waiting on flowers for potential prey to arrive. The larvae hunt snails and worms.

Habitat Areas of long grass, including wasteland, parkland and open woodland.

Cantharis livida

By Quartl (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsCantharis livida var. rufipes

"Cantharidae - Cantharis livida cf. rufipes" by Hectonichus - Own work.
Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.