Several have asked about orange/yellow beetles that seem to be everywhere, especially on flowering plants. They are likely soldier beetles, also known as leatherwings. These beetles are about ½” long, with yellow wings and splashes of black. They resemble, and sometimes are confused with, fireflies. Both the adults and larvae, that spend their time in the soil, are predators of soft-bodied insects, e.g., eggs, caterpillars, etc. If the adults cannot find an abundance of prey, they will feed and gather on the pollen of flowering plants – a protein source for many insects. They do not cause harm to plants, they are good guys…do not smash, squish or spray them!
Soldier beetles feeding on dandelion pollen.
