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Beetles, Pacific Northwest
The Soldier Beetles feed on nectar and pollen or on other insects, such as aphids. Most larvae are predaceous on soft bodied insects like caterpillars and also on insect eggs.
A few species are omnivorous and feed on wheat, potatoes, celery and other vegetables. The adults are common on flowers like goldenrod and tree blooms. They are also common on vegetation along the edges of water bodies.
These Beetles have elongated and soft bodied beetles. The front wings are often yellow, orange or red and covered with short hairs.
The head is visible from above, unlike some similar families.
Vancouver Island has many types of these beetles and they all are quite beautiful to observe.