Big Dipper Firefly vs Red Soldier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Big Dipper Firefly | Red Soldier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Photinus consimilis | Rhagonycha fulva |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Big Dipper Firefly
A common North American firefly that produces a slow, arching flash resembling the Big Dipper constellation pattern. It is active in early summer evenings.
Did You Know?
Each species of Photinus has evolved its own unique flash pattern to avoid mating with the wrong species.
Red Soldier Beetle
A very common soldier beetle in Europe with orange-red elytra tipped in black. It is one of the most familiar beetles on hogweed and other umbellifer flowers.
Did You Know?
In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.