Soldier Beetles are so called because their bright colours are reminiscent of old military uniforms. They hunt other smaller insects and can be found on the edges of woodlands and hedgerows, often in the grass.

There are many different species of Soldier Beetles. The first photo shows Cantharis livida which is mainly brown, but with a black patches on its legs. The second photo shows Cantharis pellucida which is the common soldier beetle, with black elytra (wing case) and black mask.