Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Chauliognathus pensylvanicus

A species of Soldier beetle, Also known as Goldenrod soldier beetles

The goldenrod Soldier Beetle is typically found in gardens, meadows, and fields where flowers are abundant. While the beetle is commonly seen on goldenrod plants, it also feeds on other late-blooming flowering plants. The insect’s diet is primarily nectar and pollen, but it will also eat aphids and other insects harmful to plants.

General Info About Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Habitat
open field; prairie; grassland; park; roadside; sand dune; abandoned field
Adult Food Sources
Pollen, nectar, aphids, small insects, plant juices
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small caterpillars, eggs of other insects, small soft-bodied insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Goldenrod Soldier Beetle is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
The species is native to North America, and is one of the most common species of soldier beetle in the Midwest.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Egg At this initial stage, the goldenrod Soldier Beetle's eggs are laid in clusters. Tiny and typically oval in shape, they are often found under leaves or in protected sites. The eggs serve as the protective encapsulation for the developing larvae inside.
Larva Once hatched, the larva of the goldenrod Soldier Beetle emerges as a legged, worm-like creature, voraciously feeding on available food sources. Its body is soft and elongates with each successive molt. The color may vary, but it's generally muted to blend with the environment.
Pupal In preparation for adulthood, the larva of the goldenrod Soldier Beetle forms a pupa. Within this protective cocoon, the insect undergoes a radical transformation. The pupa is generally immobile, with a hardened exterior that may mimic surrounding materials for camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult goldenrod Soldier Beetle'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 and survival within its ecosystem.
Rectangle
Predators of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, spiders
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Tips for Finding Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of goldenrod Soldier Beetle are laid in the soil, making gardens and fields common locations for finding them. The larvae are predaceous and typically found under the bark of trees or among leaves and soil debris, hunting for small insects. To observe the larvae, one might search within leaf litter or under logs and stones in moist environments. Pupation occurs in the soil; hence, examining the topsoil or just below the surface could reveal pupae. Adult goldenrod Soldier Beetle are often seen on flowers or in grassy areas during late spring to fall, where they feed on nectar and pollen. To encounter adults, exploring flowering meadows and well-pollinated garden areas is advisable.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
The most suitable time to find goldenrod Soldier Beetle would likely be during its active season, which for many Coleoptera is during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
The suitable weather for finding goldenrod Soldier Beetle would be on warm, dry days. Coleoptera are generally more active when it's not raining, and the temperature is mild to warm.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Goldenrod Soldier Beetle at Different Life Stages
Egg Goldenrod Soldier Beetle eggs are typically laid in batches in the soil or leaf litter. To find them, look in moist soil near host plants or under leaf litter and organic debris.
Larva Goldenrod Soldier Beetle larvae are likely found near food sources such as soil containing organic material, under bark, or within plant tissues. Look in these areas and gently sift through the soil or inspect tree bark crevices.
Pupal Goldenrod Soldier Beetle pupae might be in the soil or in a concealed location near the larval food source. Finding them can involve carefully excavating soil around host plants or checking under logs and stones.
Adult Goldenrod Soldier Beetle adults are often found on or near flowers and are attracted to lights at night. Seek them out in flower gardens during the day or use a light trap after dark.
Are Goldenrod Soldier Beetle harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle is attracted to the vibrant colors and enticing smells of flowers, particularly those of the Asteraceae family and fruit trees. While feeding on pollen for sustenance, goldenrod Soldier Beetle inadvertently collects and transfers pollen among the flowers, aiding in their cross-pollination.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle exhibits predatory behavior both in its larval and adult stages. This insect voraciously feeds on soft-bodied pests like aphids, which is beneficial for pest control in crops. Interestingly, goldenrod Soldier Beetle has a unique technique of subduing its prey which involves using its mandibles to deliver a paralyzing bite. This not only simplifies consumption but also reduces the prey's ability to escape, ensuring a successful hunt almost every time.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow