Cantharis rustica, the rustic sailor beetle, is a species of soldier beetle found in Europe east to central Russia.
Description
C. rustica has black wing cases, which are protective covers for its wings. Its legs have a blackish color, and there is a heart-shaped spot on the pronotum. These features are unique for the species and can help identify this particular beetle.
In central Europe, the adult beetles appear between May and July. Larvae are active from late summer until early spring and in March and April they pupate.
C. rustica feeds on a wide range of species, including Sialis lutaria, Malachius bipustulatus, Adalia bipunctata, Phyllobius, Tenthredopsis litterata, Tenthredopsis nassata, Arge gracilicornis, Empis livida, Bibio marci and Scatophaga stercoraria.
Distribution
According to GBIF records, Cantharis rustica occurs in Europe from as north as Scandinavia to the shores of the Mediterranean and from the Atlantic Ocean to central Russia.
Habitat
This beetle species has a preference for arable land, lowland grassland habitats, but also occurs in woodland and other habitats with tall grass. Adults can be found on vegetation and flower heads from mid-May till the end of June