Cardinal Beetle vs African Diving Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cardinal Beetle African Diving Beetle
Scientific Name Pyrochroa coccinea Cybister tripunctatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Pyrochroidae Dytiscidae
Size 14-18mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cardinal Beetle

A striking flat beetle with a bright scarlet body and large black eyes. Larvae are predators under bark.

💡

Did You Know?

Named for its bright cardinal-red color that matches the robes of Roman Catholic cardinals.

African Diving Beetle

A large diving beetle widespread across Africa and southern Asia. It is one of the most common large aquatic beetles in tropical fresh waters.

💡

Did You Know?

In parts of Southeast Asia it is collected and eaten as a crunchy protein-rich snack.