Dark Soldier Beetle vs Hydnus Prionine
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark Soldier Beetle | Hydnus Prionine |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cantharis obscura | Dorysthenes hydrophilus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cantharidae | Cerambycidae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 35-55 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Forests |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | India (Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats), Sri Lanka |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dark Soldier Beetle
A dark-colored European soldier beetle often found on umbelliferous flowers. Its entirely dark elytra distinguish it from the more colorful soldier beetle species.
Did You Know?
Larvae are velvety black and hunt small invertebrates among leaf litter throughout the winter months.
Hydnus Prionine
A large dark brown prionine beetle found in the tropical forests of India and Sri Lanka. Its larvae develop in the roots of large trees in moist forest habitats. Adults are powerful nocturnal fliers attracted to light.
Did You Know?
Despite its large size, this species is rarely collected because of its preference for deep forest habitats far from roads.