Blue Mint Beetle vs Red Soldier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue Mint Beetle Red Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name Chrysolina coerulans Rhagonycha fulva
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Cantharidae
Size 6-8 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blue Mint Beetle

A small, deep metallic blue leaf beetle found exclusively on mint plants. Both adults and larvae feed on mint foliage.

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Did You Know?

Its vivid blue color intensifies under different lighting due to structural iridescence.

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.

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Did You Know?

In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.