Backyard Bugs . . . Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

This friendly fellow is a Goldenrod Soldier Beetle (a.k.a. Pennsylvania Leather-wing). They are closely related to lightning beetles. Soldier Beetles are commonly seen late summer and early fall . . . right on time, as this is the first day of Autumn. Oddly enough the Goldenrod Soldier Beetle feeds on goldenrod flowers.