Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva )

 

 

Reddish beetle with soft, black elytra (wing cases) and a black patch and black legs. It reaches a length of 15 mm/0.5 in and can be found in the daytime during the months of April to July on field, garden, and forest plants. It feeds particularly on aphids. Its larvae are black, and are to be found in the soil or among moss.Adults active May to August, usually on flowers, particularly umbellifers such as Hogweed.