The not-so-golden Golden Net-Winged Beetle

While out tearing down Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), the non-native invasive shrub that has taken over the hillside, I came across this striking little beetle.

(Dictyoptera aurora)

Despite its bright red coloration, it is called a Golden-Net Winged Beetle (Dictyoptera aurora). The adults, like the one seen in the picture above, eat nectar and pollen. They are closely related to fireflies, but do not glow. Although they are rather wide-spread, this is the first one I have ever seen!