Cantharis

Cantharis is a genus of soldier beetles in the family Cantharidae, commonly known as cantaro in Italian and cantharide in French. In Hebrew, they are referred to as חיפושית הלחיים (chifushit halchayim). These beetles are characterized by their elongated bodies and soft elytra, which are often brightly colored, ranging from yellow to orange to red. Cantharis species are found predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere and are known for their role in biological pest control, as both adults and larvae feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The genus includes over 1,000 species, with notable examples such as Cantharis rustica and Cantharis fusca. The name "Cantharis" is derived from the Greek word kantharos, meaning "cup" or "goblet," likely referring to the shape of the beetle's body.