Soldier Beetle

Description:

This Soldier Beetle (Family Cantharidae) has thoracic markings very much like the local Lightening Beetle (Family Lampyridae) however the head is visible and of course there are no light producing organs on the abdomen. It is also very similar to another Soldier Beetle spotted recently in the same place (http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/254...), but this one lack bristles and the thoracic pattern is somewhat different.

Habitat:

Came to an ultraviolet light in the garden, San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2,200 meters.

Notes:

The Cantharids are predators as both larvae and adults. They are related to the Lampyridae and both are soft bodied and similar in appearance.