Pennsylvania Leatherwing (Chauliognathus pensylvanicus). A member of the Soldier Beetle family, Cantharidae. Native to North America.

These Leatherwings are on Wild Ageratum (Eupatorium coelestinum), though I’ve read their favorite color is yellow, such as Goldenrod. I guess they are not that particular.

They are considered a great pollinator. And they love to eat aphids, as well as grasshopper eggs, caterpillars, mealybugs and many other garden pests.

I’m glad to have these beetles around, helping out with pollination and pest control.

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