Eye-catching Insects (11): Sailor Beetles ... and a Soldier Beetle

Cantharis rustica

We went out in search of a little sunshine, and encountered this pair of Sailor Beetles in the grounds at Melford Hall in Suffolk. They were in a 'wildlife patch' of nettles, long grass and cow parsley. The black heart in the middle of the pronotum is a key feature of this species.

• Soldier Beetles on Gower

The record shot immediately above is of a Soldier Beetle I saw at Sutton Hoo on Tuesday. It may be a Common Red, but I am no expert when it comes to these insects.