Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
Soldier Beetles are medium-sized, rather long, with rectangular wing-cases. They are usually black with yellow or red markings behind the head, but sometimes they are tan or yellow with black markings. Soldier Beetles resemble Lightning Bugs in overall appearance, but there is no light-emitting organ. The larvae are often carnivorous and feed on small, soft-bodied insects, while the adults are often found on flowers feeding on pollen or nectar. One of the more common members of this family, Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus (Goldenrod Soldier Beetle), is found on goldenrod and other flowers during the late summer and early fall.