is this a soldier bettle - Ask Extension
do I need to be concerned about this european beetle that I have in my garden in Summit county ohio
Knowledgebase
is this a soldier bettle #872824
Asked June 12, 2024, 3:13 PM EDT
do I need to be concerned about this european beetle that I have in my garden in Summit county ohio
Summit County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi, sorry for the delay, here is an article from UC IPM, https://ipm.ucanr.edu/natural-enemies/soldier-beetles/#gsc.tab=0. Is the insect causing any damage to plants? In the article, it mentions that some species eat aphids, so it may even be a beneficial insect in the garden. I think this one is also known as the Downy Leatherwing Beetle, and it does look like a natural enemy which is a good bug for the garden. So no concern is needed unless you think it's responsible for plant damage.
no damage, if anything the plant is doing better and fewer aphids. thanks!
