Cape Stag Beetle vs Rain Beetle Hunter
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cape Stag Beetle | Rain Beetle Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colophon westwoodi | Calosoma cancellatum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lucanidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 25-40 mm | 18-25 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Grasslands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | South Africa (Western Cape mountains only) | North America, from Canada to Mexico |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Cape Stag Beetle
A rare flightless stag beetle found only on high mountain peaks of the Western Cape. Males have short but robust mandibles.
Did You Know?
All Colophon species are protected by South African law and CITES due to their extreme rarity and restricted ranges.
Rain Beetle Hunter
A medium to large caterpillar hunter with dark elytra marked by rows of rectangular pits giving a grid-like appearance. It is one of the most common Calosoma species across North American prairies.
Did You Know?
It emerges in massive numbers after rain events on the Great Plains, earning the nickname rain beetle, and can be found running across roads in huge aggregations.