Cardo Longhorn vs Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cardo Longhorn | Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agapanthia cardui | Carcinops pumilio |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cerambycidae | Histeridae |
| Size | 8-15 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Farmland |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa | Worldwide (cosmopolitan) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cardo Longhorn
A strikingly patterned longhorn with alternating bands of grey and dark pubescence on the elytra. It specializes on thistle stems across the Mediterranean basin. Adults appear in late spring and are active on warm sunny days.
Did You Know?
The species name cardui comes from the Latin for thistle, reflecting its exclusive association with these plants.
Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle
A tiny, shiny black hister beetle commonly found in poultry houses where it preys on house fly larvae. It is an important biological control agent in livestock facilities.
Did You Know?
A single beetle can consume up to 24 house fly eggs per day, making it one of the best natural fly controls in hen houses.