Ant-like Flower Beetle vs Red-spotted Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant-like Flower Beetle Red-spotted Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Anthicus antherinus Castiarina erythroptera
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Anthicidae Buprestidae
Size 2.5-3.5 mm 10-16 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Woodlands
Diet Pollen Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ant-like Flower Beetle

A tiny beetle resembling an ant, found on flowers and under debris. Has a distinctive narrowed 'neck' between head and thorax. Common but rarely noticed due to small size.

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Did You Know?

The narrow 'neck' and ant-like shape give it excellent ant mimicry that helps deter predators.

Red-spotted Jewel Beetle

A strikingly beautiful jewel beetle with bright red elytra spotted with dark markings. It is commonly found visiting wildflowers in heathland and open woodland habitats during spring and summer.

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Did You Know?

Castiarina jewel beetles are important pollinators of native Australian wildflowers, visiting hundreds of flower species.