Soldier Beetles: Beneficial Predators in Your Garden

Good or Bad?

Allies. Adults eat caterpillars, aphids; pollinate flowers. Larvae in soil eat pest eggs/larvae (esp. grasshopper eggs). Harmless to plants, people. Indoors: nuisance only—sweep out.

Life Cycle

• Overwinter as pupae in soil.
• Spring: adults emerge, mate once, lay eggs in soil.
• Larvae hatch, feed on soil pests.

Identification

• Adults: ~½ in., elongated, cloth-like wings in military colors (yellow, black, red, brown).
• Larvae: slender, dark, velvety with bristles, wavy segments.

No control needed—they're helping.