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Common Red Soldier Beetle - Rhagonycha fulva
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Common Red Soldier Beetle - Rhagonycha fulva (Rhagonycha fulva)

I took this back in July 2017 when there were plenty of these guys about on the umbelifer flowers just doing what soldier beetles do which is mainly eating and ensuring the survival of their species by engaging in sexual activity wherever and whenever possible !

Have to admit I hadn't realised that they predated other insects visiting the same flower they were on as I have not witnessed any such behaviour by them myself. All those I've seen and photographed seemed to have been happy enough grazing on the pollen and taking no notice of anything around them.
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Habitat
Local rough pasture
Location
North Devon UK
Date taken
July 2017
Scientific name
Rhagonycha fulva
Equipment used
Canon 1D MKIV + 100mm f2.8L IS macro lens
Kits
What a smart beetle, John, and a fabulous study.
 
delia todd
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
I don't think I've heard of this one before John.

That a wonderful macro image you've got there lad - very well done.
 
Stanley Jones
Supporter
Beautiful species of solider beetle John. Excellent work taken in a marvelous setting. TFS!
 

Media information

Category
Invertebrates
Added by
Covenant
Date added
View count
207
Comment count
6

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