Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Soldier beetles are just around five-eighths of an inch (1.6 cm) long. They have elongated, leathery elytra that cover almost the entirety of their abdomen. They are an orangish, brownish color and have distinct black patches. They also have a dark spot on their pronotum that is elongated horizontally. This is essential for identifying the species when comparing it to margined leatherwing (Chauliognathus marginatus), which is elongated vertically.

The species is native to North America and is one of the most common species of soldier beetle in the Midwest. It ranges from Eastern to Central Canada down through Florida and Northern Texas. Some populations can be seen as far west as Colorado.

Adults of the species are univoltine, meaning they only reproduce once a year. Adult females lay clusters of eggs in soil or leaf litter. Larvae have a slender body and are dark colored with dense hairs. During this stage, they mostly reside in the leaf litter, but can climb plants. Overwintering of larvae happens in the soil. They feed on grasshopper eggs, small caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects. These larvae then go through a pupal stage in early summer before becoming an adult, emerging around July.