TWO-LINED LEATHERWING

TWO-LINED LEATHERWING

Atalantycha bilineata
SOLDIER BEETLE FAMILY (Cantharidae)

Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

This beetle is about 3/8″ in length. It has a red head and two black lines on a red thorax. The elytra are black.

 

This beetle appears to be abundant in early spring. Photos A and C were taken in Fontenelle Forest and B in Neale Woods. Larvae perhaps feed in rotting wood, since there appear to be swarms emerging and/or mating around fallen logs.

 

Mating is prolonged and can go on for days with the larger female dragging the male along. Recently the genus of this beetle was changed from Ancistronycha.

 

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