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Chauliognathus pensylvanicus
Soldier beetles are highly desired by gardeners as biological control agents of a number of pest insects. The larvae tend to be dark brown or gray, slender and wormlike with a rippled appearance due to pronounced segmentation. They consume grasshopper eggs, aphids, caterpillars and other soft bodied insects, most of which are pests. The adults are especially important predators of aphids. They supplement their diet with nectar and pollen and can be minor pollinators. Soldier beetle populations can be increased by planting good nectar- or pollen-producing plants such as Asclepias or Solidago.
On Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly weed)
I've added a few more photos to this spot - this evening there were no less than 15 pairs of soldier beetles all mating on the same small plant! While I was taking photos a female hopped onto my hand - with her mate still hanging on to her back! It was a veritable soldier beetle love-fest & I'm anticipating a big reduction in my aphid population soon!
Thanks for the ID! I'm pleased to hear it is a good guy! Plenty of aphids here to keep it happy!