Bonking Beetles

8th July 2017.

The Common Red Soldier Beetle ( Rhagonycha fulva) also known as the Bloodsucker or the Bonking Beetle (honest) is very common, usually found on umbellifer  flowers such as Hogweed and Cow Parsley. They do indeed  spend much of their short lives mating,( I guess if you haven't much time on this planet ). In early July they seemed to be everywhere, it is one of those insects you pass by and don't bother with, so I made the effort and spent an hour or so trying to photographing them.

Common Red Soldier Beetles

Common Red Soldier Beetles doing what they do best.

Common Red Soldier Beetles

Common Red Soldier Beetles