Insect ID help needed

[Kazz]

Hi all

Over the past few weeks ive noticed this little insect around our house, maybe spot them about once every few days either in the kitchen or bathroom, but ive no idea what they are. My knowledge of bugs starts and ends with the odd woodlouse

Its about 15mm in length, spotted this one around the breadbin, are they partial to the odd slice of hovis?



Thanks for any help given

[aeshna5]

A common soldier beetle, Rhagonycha fulva. They are predatory + normally seen (often coupling) on umbels such as Hogweed.

[Kazz]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

A common soldier beetle, Rhagonycha fulva. They are predatory + normally seen (often coupling) on umbels such as Hogweed.

Ah right, thanks. With it being the summer doors / windows are open so i guess they just wander in.

...so there not after my hovis?


Thanks again

[Jason Green]

Natural England's website says the Common Red Soldier Beetle eats nectar, pollen and sometimes other invertebrates to include slugs and snails. They don't mention Hovis bread, so it seem's it's safe...

Oh, and welcome to WAB

[Paul mabbott]

We were taught (when I was young, which is some time ago ... ) that all of the red soldier beetles (Cantharidae) were "blood-suckers" ..... so your bread should be the least of your worries

Actually, they're no problem - just throw them outside or share your sandwiches - I gather they're partial to a bit of Marmite ......

Originally Posted by Kazz

Hi all

Over the past few weeks ive noticed this little insect around our house, maybe spot them about once every few days either in the kitchen or bathroom, but ive no idea what they are. My knowledge of bugs starts and ends with the odd woodlouse

Its about 15mm in length, spotted this one around the breadbin, are they partial to the odd slice of hovis?



Thanks for any help given

[charlieb]

Actually I think this is Nacerdes melanura, an Oedemerid

[Kazz]

Originally Posted by charlieb

Actually I think this is Nacerdes melanura, an Oedemerid

Just looked at pictures of that one on another site, id say (with my total of 2hrs worth of bug expertise )...ive no idea, they both look so similar.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by charlieb

Actually I think this is Nacerdes melanura, an Oedemerid

Good call Charlie, I never considered that! I'd never heard of that individual, either. They're commonly called Thick-legged Flower Beetles, Kazz.

[Kazz]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Good call Charlie, I never considered that! I'd never heard of that individual, either. They're commonly called Thick-legged Flower Beetles, Kazz.

Just had a image search on 'Thick-legged Flower Beetles'...its green

[JRsbugs]

Looks like your beetle is partial to wood, not Hovis! The size is closer, looks good for Nacerdes melanura to me other than dark shoulders.

Woodworm

Janet