Common Red Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva

There are many species of soldier beetle, elongated carnivorous beetles often found on flowers. The name soldier is after the elongated form and red and black uniforms that soldiers used to wear. The Common Red Soldier Beetle, also called the Black-tipped Soldier Beetle, is distinctive in its red livery with black-tipped wing cases. Adults are 8-10mm long; the female is larger than the male.

The Common Red Soldier is common throughout Europe, including the UK. Many are seen together on hogweed and similar plants in summer, often coupled together.