We were wondering about this guys that live in our favas. Finally after web searching a lot we found they were called soldier bug or leather wing beetle from the family cantharidae, closely related to lampyridae falmily but they lack the light producing organ. This dudes are your allies in the selective battle to aphids, mexican bean beetle, and others. When there is not enough pest to eat, they will eat sap from the plants causing very little damage.This is a baby little soldier:
Thank you. I found a swarm of these beetles around a plum tree that is just starting to bloom. I was concerned that they were detrimental and am relieved to hear that they are not and actually extremely beneficial.
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