# Goldenrod soldier beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus) > A common orange-yellow and black soldier beetle that visits flowers in late summer and is a useful pollinator and predator of soft-bodied insects. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/goldenrod-soldier-beetle/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic.** Goldenrod soldier beetles are not venomous and do not pose a medical threat. They do not seek to bite people; if handled roughly they may give a mild defensive secretion that can be irritating to very sensitive skin, but significant reactions are rare. Wash skin with soap and water if contact causes irritation. **Pets:** Not dangerous to pets. Accidental ingestion by a dog or cat is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Chauliognathus pensylvanicus - Also called: Pennsylvania leatherwing - Order: Coleoptera (Beetles) - Family: Cantharidae (Soldier beetles) - Size: 9-12 mm body length - Colours: Orange-yellow, Black, Pale yellow - Habitat: Meadows, fields, roadsides, gardens and other flower-rich habitats; adults commonly found on late-season flowering plants such as goldenrod. - Range: Widespread across much of North America, from southern Canada through the United States. - Active: Late summer to early fall; adults are diurnal and most active on warm, sunny days. - Lifespan: Adults live for several weeks to a few months during the adult season; full life cycle is annual in most of its range. - Effect on plants: Pollinator - Pest: no ## Overview Chauliognathus pensylvanicus is a widespread North American soldier beetle notable for its bright orange-yellow body with bold black markings. Adults are commonly seen on late-summer flowers, especially goldenrod, where they feed on nectar, pollen and small insects. Larvae live in litter or soil and are predatory on other insect larvae and small invertebrates. They are harmless to humans and are considered beneficial in gardens and fields. ## How to identify it Adults are elongated, soft-bodied beetles about 9-12 mm long with a somewhat flattened profile. The background color is orange-yellow; each elytron has a large black spot or band toward the rear that varies in size between individuals. The pronotum is orange-yellow with a central black spot, and the head is largely black. Legs and antennae are long, slender and mostly black. - Orange-yellow elongated soft-bodied beetle 8-15 mm long with a distinct black stripe along the elytral suture. - Black markings toward the rear of the elytra and a darker head with pale yellow markings. - Found on flowers in late summer—often on goldenrod—where many individuals may gather. ## Lookalikes - **Margined soldier beetle** (Chauliognathus marginatus): C. marginatus tends to have different patterns of black markings and a darker margin on the elytra; check the arrangement of spots and the suture stripe to separate them. - **Other yellow-and-black cantharids** (Various Cantharidae species): Many soldier beetles are similar in shape and color; use the exact pattern of the elytral markings and the time of year and plant association (goldenrod in late summer) to help ID. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Eggs are laid in clusters in soil or leaf litter in late summer and fall; they hatch within weeks and the larvae overwinter in the soil. - **Larva:** Larvae are elongated, somewhat hairy and predatory, living in soil or litter and feeding on other insect larvae and small invertebrates. - **Pupa:** Pupation occurs in the soil or in protected litter; development to the adult takes place within a pupal cell. - **Adult (beetle):** Adults emerge in summer and are active on flowers through late summer and early autumn, feeding on nectar, pollen and small insects. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Predatory: insect larvae and other small invertebrates in soil and leaf litter. - Adults eat: Nectar, pollen and small soft-bodied insects (e.g., aphids, other small insects). - Predators of the young: Ground beetles, spiders, birds and small mammals that forage in litter. - Predators of adults: Birds, spiders and predatory insects (wasps, larger beetles). Bright colours may deter some predators. ## Effect on plants and gardens Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen and act as pollinators; both adults and larvae help control soft-bodied pest insects. ## Where and when to find it Adults: on flowers (especially goldenrod) in meadows, gardens and roadsides. Larvae: in soil, compost or leaf litter hunting small invertebrates. - Best time: Late summer to early fall, during warm sunny days when flowers are open. - Tips: Look for them on tall flowering stems at eye level or slightly above; a macro lens or close-focus camera will capture the elytral patterns. Approach slowly—adults are slow-moving and easy to photograph. ## Fun facts - Adults are commonly seen in large numbers on goldenrod and other late-season flowers, which is why they are called goldenrod soldier beetles. - Soldier beetles are sometimes called 'leatherwings' because their wing covers are softer than those of many other beetles. - Both adult and larval stages help control pest insects, making them beneficial in gardens and agricultural fields. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do goldenrod soldier beetles bite? No, they do not bite people as a normal behavior. If handled roughly they may produce a mild defensive secretion but bites are not a concern. ### Are goldenrod soldier beetles harmful to my garden? No. Adults are pollinators and feed on small pest insects; larvae are predatory. They are considered beneficial rather than pests. ### Why are there so many on my goldenrod? Goldenrod flowers bloom in late summer and provide nectar, pollen and prey; the beetles congregate there to feed and mate. ### How can I keep them out of my house? They are attracted to lights and nearby flowers. Reduce outdoor lighting at night, seal gaps around windows and doors, and remove or relocate bright outdoor plants near entrances to reduce indoor entry. ### How do I get rid of them if they become a nuisance? They are harmless—use a soft brush or vacuum to remove them, relocate them outdoors, or reduce attractants (flowers and bright lights). Pesticides are unnecessary and discouraged because the beetles are beneficial. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/216649), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenrod_soldier_beetle). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.