About Cantharis rustica Fallén, 1807
Cantharis rustica has black wing cases, which are the protective covers for its wings. Its legs are blackish in color, and it has a distinct heart-shaped spot on its pronotum. These features are unique to the species and can be used to identify this beetle. In Central Europe, adult Cantharis rustica emerge between May and July. Larvae are active from late summer through early spring, and pupate in March and April. This species preys on a wide range of other species, including Sialis lutaria, Malachius bipustulatus, Adalia bipunctata, Phyllobius, Tenthredopsis litterata, Tenthredopsis nassata, Arge gracilicornis, Empis livida, Bibio marci, and Scatophaga stercoraria. According to GBIF occurrence records, Cantharis rustica is distributed across Europe, ranging north to Scandinavia, south to the Mediterranean Sea shores, and west to east from the Atlantic Ocean to Central Russia. This beetle species prefers arable land and lowland grassland habitats, but it can also be found in woodland and other habitats with tall grass. Adult individuals can be found on vegetation and flower heads from mid-May to the end of June.
