Heliotaurus ruficollis (Fabricius, 1781)
Family: Tenebrionidae. (Darkling Beetles) Genus: Heliotaurus
Body Length 9 to 11mm.
Season April to June.
Habitat: This is a common beetle, can be seen throughout the day, feeding on a variety of flowers in sun drenched meadows, gardens and mountainous areas throughout Spain.
The larvae can be found feeding under rotting wood, as well as in all other sorts of decomposing organic matter, particularly found in leaf mould.
Heliotaurus ruficollis can appear in large numbers and feeds on a wide variety of plants, being strictly floricultural, this beetle is regarded as a pest, for many growers. Being a good pollinator, the beetle interferes with the pollination of flowers, in the months of April to June.