Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Soldier beetle
Chauliognathus pensylvanicus
· Also called goldenrod soldier beetle, leatherwing
People search “soldier beetle” because it looks like something that bites. Soldier beetle (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus) does not bite or sting people. Also called goldenrod soldier beetle, leatherwing.
Yellow insects coated on goldenrod are soldier beetles, not a wasp nest.
What does a soldier beetle look like?
Soldier beetle is About 10–15 mm. Colors: yellow, orange, black. Marks: Soft wing covers; Yellow-orange with a black tip; On flowers; No narrow wasp waist.
Soldier beetle is About 10–15 mm. Colors: yellow, orange, black. Marks: Soft wing covers; Yellow-orange with a black tip; On flowers; No narrow wasp waist.
Identification marks
- Soft wing covers
- Yellow-orange with a black tip
- On flowers
- No narrow wasp waist
Size: About 10–15 mm
Colors: yellow, orange, black
Where: outdoor
Soldier beetle vs Eastern yellowjacket
Soft beetle on goldenrod = soldier beetle. Shiny wasp at a soda can = yellowjacket.
- Eastern yellowjacket identification (Vespula maculifrons)
- Blister beetle identification (Epicauta spp.)
- Firefly identification (Lampyridae)
Range and season
Active late summer. Places: garden, field. On goldenrod in late summer. Does not sting. A look-alike for wasps only at a glance.
Goldenrod and gardens in late summer.
On goldenrod in late summer. Does not sting. A look-alike for wasps only at a glance.
Late summer
Common questions
Do soldier beetles sting?
No.