Cantharis fusca

{{Short description|Species of beetle}}

{{Speciesbox

| image = Cantharis fusca (2006-05-29).jpg

| genus = Cantharis

| species = fusca

| authority = Linnaeus, 1758

}}

Cantharis fusca is a species of soldier beetle.

Cantharis fusca reaches a length of {{convert|10|-|15|mm}}.{{cite web |author=J. K. Lindsey |url=http://www.commanster.eu/commanster/Insects/Beetles/SpBeetles/Cantharis.fusca.html |title=Cantharis fusca Linnaeus, 1758 |work=Ecology of Commanster |accessdate=April 18, 2010}} Except for parts of the head and thorax, which are red or orange, this species is completely black. The body is flat and long, with a weak exoskeleton. These beetles have long feathery antennae, and comparatively long legs.

This species is common in large parts of Europe, and lives in bushes, edges of forests, and meadows. They hunt for small insects.

The larvae have black hairs, and also eat small insects. They are very cold-resistant, and can be seen crawling on the snow in winter.

Soldier beetle (Cantharis fusca) mating P.jpg|Mating

Cantharis fusca in copula.ogv|thumbtime=0:26|Mating