Soldier Beetle, a Predating Carnivorous Critter that Turned into a Loving Nectar Vegan

This insect was on the screen of my porch. The fact that it was just there untouched by the lizard stroke me as interesting. Even though this insect looks very much like the Blister Beetle (which secretes a toxin comparable to cyanide), it is in fact very different from it. When it is in the larvae phase, it is a vicious carnivorous insect which searches for other insects to devour; this is very beneficial for your trees and plants since it gets rid of other insects that might harm them. When it graduates to an adult, it becomes a loving nectar and pollen insect; it stores the energy from these sugary foods to spend in its hard-earned lovemaking sessions. You can read an interesting article about the Soldier Beetle in this article by the Chicago Wilderness Magazine.