Downy Leatherwing vs Black Carrion Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Downy Leatherwing Black Carrion Beetle
Scientific Name Podabrus tomentosus Necrodes littoralis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cantharidae Silphidae
Size 9-12 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Carrion Feeders
Regions North America Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Downy Leatherwing

A North American soldier beetle covered in fine pubescence, found on flowers and foliage in summer. It is an effective predator of aphids and other small insects.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are active predators in leaf litter and can even survive brief periods of freezing temperatures.

Black Carrion Beetle

A large, dark carrion beetle with ridged elytra and a distinctive lumpy thorax. It is associated with larger carcasses where it breeds in masses.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name 'littoralis' meaning 'of the shore', it is found throughout inland areas as well as coasts.