This beetle is about 1/3 to ½ inch long. Its coloration is similar to the pennsylvania leatherwing beetle but the pronotum has a wide dark band, instead of an irregular dark spot. Similar to C.pennsylvanicus, but has a dark band on back of pronotum and not an irregular spot.C. marginatus is also somewhat smaller and is active earlier in summer than C. pennsylvanicus. This beetle was identified by experts at Bugguide.net. According to Bug Guide the amount of black in the elytra is variable but sometimes there is no black at all.
Seen in spring or early summer on flowers of wild hydrangea, tree of heaven, linden and N. J. tea. These photos were taken in June at Fontenelle Nature center. It is usually seen in old field habitats with flowers.
Soldier beetles are also known as leatherwings. Adult feeds on pollen and nectar. The larva is predatory, known to attack corn earworm and corn borer. The adults are also predatory possible taking eggs.
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