Spotted a yellow beetle with black spots on its wings? You might have seen the goldenrod soldier beetle. Let’s learn why it is good to have them in your yard.
Goldenrod flowers are great for several medical applications like treating diabetes, tuberculosis, hemorrhoids, asthma, and more.
But did you know these flowers are also an excellent way to attract goldenrod soldier beetles?
In this article, I will talk about why you should try to bring these beetles to your garden.
What’s This Bug?
The Goldenrod soldier beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus) is a type of soldier beetle that is extremely easy to spot in the Midwestern region of North America.
These are also commonly known as the Pennsylvania leatherwings.
They are called goldenrod beetles because they prefer the flowers of this plant for feeding.
You can also spot adult goldenrod soldier beetles near flowers like milkweed, Queen Anne’s lace, and other plants that bloom in the summers.
If you are out in the garden in the months from July to September, spotting these bugs mating on goldenrod flowers is almost certain.
August is the peak month of their activity.
What Do Goldenrod Soldier Beetles Look Like? Where Are They Found?
The goldenrod soldier beetle has an orange body with two unique black spots and shows an average growth of around 0.62 inches.
The goldenrod soldier beetle larva, on the other hand, is dark colored.
It has a long slender body with a coat of long bristles, which gives it a woolly bear-like appearance.
You can spot several of them in gardens during the months of May and June.
Adult goldenrod beetles love to be around flowers because they consume nectar. Due to this reason, the ideal habitat for these insects is open areas like fields, meadows, and gardens.
Goldenrod soldier beetles are common in the midwestern regions of the United States, especially the Eastern and Western parts of Kansas and Florida.
What Do They Feed On?
Goldenrod soldier beetles fly from garden to garden to search of fresh flower heads to eat pollen and drink nectar.
You can often spot them mating around such flowers as well.
Being frequent flower visitors, they are considered good pollinators. They also eat other small insects like aphids
The beetle larvae eat grasshopper eggs, some common species of soft-bodied insects like aphids and other caterpillars, and other insect eggs.
Lifecycle of Goldenrod Soldier Beetles
Goldenrod soldier beetles undergo a complete metamorphosis in four stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.
The adults are short-lived and usually die after mating. You can observe them flying around gardens and open spots during spring to early summer.
The lifecycle starts when the females lay eggs in a secured region on the topsoil. Organic litter is also a widely preferred spot to lay these eggs.
Within a week, the larvae start hatching from these eggs.
They survive as larvae for around 1 to 3 years. These beetles spend most of their lives as larvae dwelling on the ground and hunting for soft-bodied insects and eggs to feed on.
During this time, they pick up nutrition to become healthy enough to transition into the pupal stage.
These larvae overwinter to survive cold in the topsoil.
Once they consume the right amount of food and are mature enough, they start building underground to start pupating.
In summer, they emerge as adults. Most species of soldier beetles can have two generations in a year.
Are Goldenrod Soldier Beetles Aggressive?
Although they are predators and good at hunting down aphids, these insects are not aggressive toward humans.
There are a few rare cases of these beetles causing harm to humans.
They swarm around flowery plants, but they cause no harm to them. They might sometimes sneak into your homes, but you can easily get rid of them.
Do They Bite/Sting?
We mentioned earlier that these beetles are gentle and rarely attack humans.
Goldenrod soldier beetles do not bite or sting humans.
Also, these beetles are so timid that they will lie still to appear as dead when they feel threatened by human presence.
Are They Poisonous/Venomous?
Goldenrod soldier beetles are not poisonous. In fact, they are often considered beneficial insects.
We will take a look at some of the benefits of having them around your garden in the upcoming sections.
Are Goldenrod Solider Beetles Beneficial?
Goldenrod soldier beetles are extremely beneficial in many ways. These insects love to fly around bright flowers and well-blooming gardens.
They also mate around these flowers. Due to their regular and frequent contact with flowering plants, they can be considered good pollinators.
Also, the adults are great at hunting down soft-bodied insects like aphids that can cause extensive damage to your beloved garden plants.
The beetle larvae will take out the eggs laid by these aphids in your garden.
Having them in your garden is one of the best ways to deal with pests naturally. While you can also use pesticides to eliminate the aphids, but they reduce soil fertility.
Instead, goldenrod beetles will finish them off lock, stock, and barrel, and these bugs won’t even cause any harm to you or your garden!
How To Attract Them To Your Yard?
Due to the benefits mentioned in the above section, farmers and gardeners love to have these insects around their yards.
You can lure them in by having a good range of plants like milkweed and Queen Anne’s lace that bloom in the summer.
Having goldenrod flowers is the best way to attract these insects.
You also must keep the garden free from predators like birds and lizards. If your garden is filled with such predators, the soldier beetles will refrain from coming to your garden.
How A Parasitic Fungus Causes Them To Become Zombies
Zombies are fictional beings that are neither living nor dead. It is quite common to spot them in popular movies, but they are yet to be spotted in real.
You will be surprised to know that during September-October in 1996, 2001, 2015, and 2016 a bunch of goldenrod soldier beetles was infected by the Eryniopsis Lampyridarum (Entomophthoromycotina) fungus in Arkansas.
This fungus made them zombie beetles (living and dead at the same time).
Samples of these zombie soldier beetles were collected for a study, and it was discovered that this fungus molds the behavior of the beetles in a way that benefits the parasite.
The beetles that get affected by this fungus are often seen gripping the stem or branches of a host plant with their mandibles.
Then, after a few hours, they will open their wings as though they are about to fly (even though they are dead by that time).
The benefit of this (for the fungus) is that the female beetles lying with open wings attract more males towards them.
This helps the fungus spread to even more of the beetles, thus increasing their likelihood of survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are goldenrod soldier beetles harmful?
No goldenrod beetles are not harmful. They are not poisonous and will not attack, bite, or sting humans.
These insects are gentle creatures that often lie motionless on the ground to play dead when they spot humans.
They are also considered highly beneficial as they are good pollinators and excellent tools for natural pest control.
How do you get rid of goldenrod soldier beetles?
Goldenrod soldier beetles are not harmful, and they barely cause any damage to human property.
You can spot them near flowering plants, but they will not destroy any of them.
These beetles might accidentally enter homes, but you can easily remove them by vacuuming or sweeping the house.
There is no need to use insecticides as they are harmless, and the adults don’t live for long.
What eats soldier beetles?
Soldier beetles are actively hunted down by birds, bats, and lizards.
To be safe from these potential predators, the soldier beetles emit a foul-smelling liquid that makes them look unappealing to the predators.
They also avoid laying eggs near areas filled with such dangers.
What is the strongest fighting beetle?
There are many strong beetles on the earth, but the horned dung beetle is the world’s strongest insect.
These insects can pull and push 1,141 times their body weight. If you compare this to humans, it is almost equal to lifting around six loaded double-decker buses.
Wrap Up
Goldenrod beetles are harmless insects, and it is great to have them flying around your garden.
Attract them by adding goldenrod flowers in the yard. Instead of pesticides, use these insects to eliminate aphids in the garden.
This will minimize the use of pesticides and will help to keep the soil fertility intact. We hope the article was informative. Thank you for reading it.
Reader Emails
Goldenrod soldier beetles are extremely fond of mating!
When you go through some of the letters from our readers below, you will realize how often they are caught in the act as they flit around flowers in gardens.
Go ahead, have a chuckle at their expense!
Letter 1 – Viceroy and Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Location: Northern Illinois
August 11, 2011 7:31 pm
I was photographing this butterfly, when this bee looking insect flew into the frame. I can’t figure out what it is? The tail looks like a bee, but the wings are something I have never seen before.
Signature: Britt
Hi Britt,
This is a positively gorgeous action photo of a Viceroy Butterfly and a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle, Chauliognathus pensylvanicus. The beetles are commonly associated with goldenrod. You were quite fortunate that the beetle flew into area encompassed by the very shallow depth of field in your image. You can read more about the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle on BugGuide.
Letter 2 – Mating Goldenrod Soldier Beetles
Location: Newton, New Jersey, flower field
September 3, 2011 1:33 pm
These are thick on the flowers right now, and I am not sure if they are some sort of bee/wasp or a beetle? They seem very benign and didn’t mind in the least that I had my camera lens poking them in the face. They seem to be covered in pollen.
Signature: Debbi in New Jersey
Hi Debbi,
Beginning with the end of summer, sightings of Goldenrod Soldier Beetles or Pennsylvania Leatherwings become quite common. Adults are commonly found on blossoms with a high pollen content, including goldenrod. Goldenrod Soldier Beetles very effectively mimic stinging wasps, but they are harmless themselves.
Thanks! Your website is the best! Have a great weekend.
Debbi
Letter 3 – Mating Goldenrod Soldier Beetles
Location: North pittsburgh pa
August 20, 2014 1:42 pm
I just noticed these on my tickseeds today…august 20… I love in southwestern pa. Can you please identify ?
Signature: Mike
Hi Mike,
As the common name Goldenrod Soldier Beetle implies, this species feeds on the pollen of goldenrod and other fall blossoms that produce copious amounts of pollen.
Letter 4 – Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Location: Waunakee, Wisconsin
August 7, 2015 8:12 pm
Hello, hope you are both well!
We saw this colorful beetle when we were on a nature hike in Waunakee, Wisconsin last week. Such a beautiful hillside covered with wildflowers. Sunny day in the upper 80’s, on July 30th. Is it a soldier beetle?
Thank you!
Signature: Ellen
Dear Ellen,
This is most certainly a Soldier Beetle in the genus Chauliognathus, and we believe it is most likely a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle, Chauliognathus pensylvanicus, which you can verify by comparing your individual to the images posted to BugGuide where it states the adults feed on: ” pollen and nectar of fall flowers, esp. goldenrod”.
Letter 5 – Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Location: Northern Illinois, USA
August 23, 2015 2:06 pm
What’s this bug?
Signature: Jbmanz
This is a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle.
Letter 6 – Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Location: Cloquet, MN
August 22, 2015 5:06 pm
This was seen today, August 22 in central Minnesota near the St. Louis River. The area is rocky, sandy and has a lot of weeds. It was crawling on a rock and in an effort to get a clear picture, accidentally turned it over. The abdomen had black and yellow striped coloring like a wasp. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of that, but did get these two photos. It is heading towards the southeast corner of the picture. It is 1/2 – 3/4″ long.
Signature: Squeamish Bug Lover
Dear Squeamish Bug Lover,
This is a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle, and now that summer is approaching its end, fall is almost upon us and the goldenrod is beginning to bloom, we expect submissions of Goldenrod Soldier Beetles to increase.
Letter 7 – Mating Goldenrod Soldier Beetles
Location: coloma WI
September 8, 2015 4:10 pm
What kind of bug is this and it’s eating at my garden
Signature: bugs
You have imagined that these mating Goldenrod Soldier Beetles are eating your garden. According to BugGuide, their diet is: “Adult: pollen and nectar of fall flowers, esp. goldenrod (Solidago)(2); larvae feed on locust eggs, insect larvae, cucumber beetles, and other Diabrotica spp.”
Letter 8 – Goldenrod Meadow: Mating Goldenrod Soldier Beetles
Location: Schenectady, NY
August 27, 2016 11:46 am
Hello WhatsThatBug,
I thought you’d enjoy this shot of no less than four pairs of mating beetles on the same goldenrod plant! There were actually at least two other pairs that I didn’t get in the shot, so clearly this plant is the place for looooove. I think they are Goldenrod Soldier Beetles.
I spotted them at a local park that has a perfect pond for dragonflies. This stand of goldenrod grows alongside a tiny stream that runs through the grass in an open area, and as you can imagine it is a very popular spot for all kinds of insects, including a huge variety of bees and wasps. I’ll need to go back with extra batteries in my camera to see what else I can photograph!
Signature: Susan B.
Dear Susan,
Your lurid images of mating Goldenrod Soldier Beetles, Chauliognathus pensylvanicus, are a wonderful addition to our Bug Love tag. Many years ago we created a Milkweed Meadow tag because there is such a diverse group of insects, including the Monarch Butterfly, that depend upon milkweed for survival, and there are many other insects that are attracted to the nectar rich blossoms. At that time, we had planned a companion plant community tag called the Goldenrod Meadow because similar to milkweed, goldenrod is also associated with a very diverse insect community. We are taking the opportunity to launch our Goldenrod Meadow tag with your wonderful submission, and now we will have to go back through our archives to tag appropriate postings from the past. When you return to the goldenrod patch with extra batteries, please send us any images that you feel will be of interest to our readership.
Letter 9 – Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Geographic location of the bug: Omaha, NE
Date: 08/23/2018
Time: 10:28 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Found this bug my marigolds. Will it hurt my flowers?
How you want your letter signed: Mary P
Dear Mary,
The Goldenrod Soldier Beetle will not harm your marigolds or any other flowers. According to BugGuide: “Adult: pollen and nectar of fall flowers, esp. goldenrod (Solidago); larvae feed on locust eggs, insect larvae, cucumber beetles, and other Diabrotica spp.” One could infer your garden will be benefit from the presence of Goldenrod Soldier Beetles since they don’t harm the blossoms and their larvae will feed on many creatures that will eat plants in your garden.
Letter 10 – Mating Goldenrod Soldier Beetles
Geographic location of the bug: Omaha, Nebraska
Date: 08/29/2018
Time: 03:48 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I was told this is a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle. I’m not sure what they are, and if they are destructive. I used to get a ton of bees on this sedum. Now I get these Beetles doing the wild thing.
How you want your letter signed: Alissa Apel
anapeladay.com
Hi again Alissa,
We don’t believe there is any connection between the disappearance of the Bees and the appearance of Goldenrod Soldier Beetles, a species that will not harm your garden. According to BugGuide, there diet is: “Adult: pollen and nectar of fall flowers, esp. goldenrod (Solidago); larvae feed on locust eggs, insect larvae, cucumber beetles, and other Diabrotica spp.” Given the predatory nature of the larvae, we consider Goldenrod Soldier Beetles to be a beneficial species.
Letter 11 – Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Geographic location of the bug: Southwest Michigan, U.S.
Date: 08/28/2018
Time: 05:00 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I saw this bee on 8-26-2018 in my backyard and have never seen another like it? Has the stripes like a bee but unique antennas??
How you want your letter signed: Nancy G.
Dear Nancy,
What you have mistaken for antennae are actually the elytra or wing covers of a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle, a common species that feeds on the pollen and nectar of autumn flowers. Larvae are beneficial predators.
Letter 12 – Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Geographic location of the bug: SE Kansas
Date: 09/10/2021
Time: 04:32 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I have been bitten by something that has turned to serious outcome. These bugs were all over my marigolds and I got my hands in there and shook them out the same day I acquired a bite. They returned the next day so I took a pic.
How you want your letter signed: Jackie N
Dear Jackie,
The angle of your image is not ideal for identification purposes, but we believe this is a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle.
The post Goldenrod Soldier Beetle: Timid Guardian of Your Plants appeared first on What's That Bug?.
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