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Cantharis obscura

Cantharis obscura

Cantharis obscura

A species of Cantharis

C. obscura reaches a length of 9–13 millimetres (0.35–0.51 in). Elytra and head are black. Pronotum is black, with reddish or orange lateral margins. The adults feed on small insects, such as aphids, as well as on pollen of fruit trees.

General Info About Cantharis obscura
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Attributes of Cantharis obscura
Colors
Black
Orange
Habitat
These beetles live in bushes, edges of forests, and meadows.
Adult Food Sources
Insect larvae, aphids, small arthropods, nectar, pollen
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small caterpillars, other soft-bodied insects, insect eggs, mites
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Cantharis obscura
This species can be found in most of Europe and in the eastern Palearctic realm.
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Life Cycle of Cantharis obscura
Egg The embryonic development of cantharis obscura occurs within the egg. During this period, the eggs are often laid in clusters and exhibit slight changes in color as development progresses. They are small, oval, and initially possess a soft outer covering that gradually hardens.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of cantharis obscura is worm-like in appearance, lacking wings and reproductive organs. It's a voracious feeder, which leads to rapid growth, and several molts occur where the larva increases in size but has a consistent form throughout this stage.
Pupal The pupal stage is a time of transformation for cantharis obscura, where the larva encases itself and undergoes significant changes. The larva's tissues are reorganized to form adult structures, and it's typically immobile. The color and shape change markedly during this stage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult cantharis obscura's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. They exhibit a change in size and color from the pupa.
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Predators of Cantharis obscura Larvae
Araneae (spiders), formicidae (ants), birds, rodents
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Scientific Classification of Cantharis obscura
Tips for Finding Cantharis obscura
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Youth Habitat of Cantharis obscura
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
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Habitat Preferences of Cantharis obscura Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of cantharis obscura are typically deposited in moist soil near plant bases, offering ample food sources upon hatching. Larvae prefer a similar habitat—moist and rich in organic material, often under leaf litter or within decomposing wood, where they forage for small invertebrates. Searching these areas diligently, especially during spring, may reveal their presence. Pupation usually occurs in the soil or under debris, hence raking through the upper soil layers can be fruitful in locating pupae. Finally, adults are commonly found on flowers, shrubs, and foliage during late spring and summer, where visual examination and sweeping with a net can be effective search strategies.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Cantharis obscura
The suitable time to find adult cantharis obscura would generally be during their active season, which for many beetles in temperate regions is late spring to early fall. Early morning or late afternoon may be most productive.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Cantharis obscura
Weather conditions that are conducive to finding cantharis obscura typically include warm, damp days which encourage beetle activity, as opposed to very hot or cold and dry days which may cause the beetles to take shelter.
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How and Where Can You Find Cantharis obscura at Different Life Stages
Larva Cantharis obscura larvae can typically be found in soil or under decaying wood or leaves where they hunt for small organisms. They can be located by carefully sifting through soil or examining under logs or bark.
Pupal The pupal stage of cantharis obscura is usually hidden from sight as these creatures pupate in soil or in secluded places near their feeding grounds. Locating them requires gently digging around the presumed areas of pupation.
Adult Cantharis obscura adults can be found on or around flowers, trees, or bushes as they forage for food or seek mates. To find them, search flowers and vegetation during warm parts of the day, especially where they are known to feed or lay eggs.
Are Cantharis obscura harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Cantharis obscura
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Cantharis obscura frequents various flowers attracted by their vivid colors and distinct smells. These beetles consume pollen directly for sustenance, unintentionally transferring pollen as they move between blossoms, aiding in plant fertilization.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Cantharis obscura is adept at hunting its prey using both its adult and larval stages. Adults hunt for aphids and small caterpillars, which they consume to maintain their strength and vitality. Their method of preying involves pouncing on their meal and using their strong mandibles to secure it. The consumption of pests by cantharis obscura makes it favorable in agricultural settings as a natural pest control agent.
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