Wrinkled Soldier Beetle

Podabrus rugosulus

Unlike most beetles with rigid, armored shells, soldier beetles have soft, flexible wing covers, earning them the common nickname 'leatherwings'.

Scientific name: Podabrus rugosulus
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Coleoptera › Cantharidae › Podabrus
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: forest
Habitat: Deciduous forests, woodland margins, meadows, and suburban gardens
Diet: Aphids, thrips, small caterpillars, pollen, and nectar
Range: North America, Temperate woodlands
Size: 8 to 13 mm in length
Lifespan: 1 year (adults live 2-4 weeks)
Active: diurnal
Threats: Widespread chemical pesticide use in agricultural and residential areas, and loss of native understory plants.
Safe to approach?: Harmless to humans. These beetles do not sting and will not bite unless pinched or handled roughly. They can be safely observed at close range. If handled, wash hands afterward as they can secrete a harmless but foul-tasting defensive chemical.

Podabrus rugosulus is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America.

Photo: Ilona, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist