Cardinal Beetle vs Helicopter Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cardinal Beetle Helicopter Damselfly
Scientific Name Pyrochroa coccinea Megaloprepus caerulatus
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Pyrochroidae Pseudostigmatidae
Size 14-18mm 100 mm body, 190 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Cardinal Beetle

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

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Did You Know?

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

Helicopter Damselfly

The largest damselfly in the world with a wingspan approaching 19 centimeters.

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Did You Know?

It breeds exclusively in water-filled tree holes high in the forest canopy.