Dustywing vs Soldier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dustywing | Soldier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coniopteryx tineiformis | Cantharis livida |
| Order | Neuroptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Coniopterygidae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dustywing
A tiny moth-like lacewing covered in a white waxy powder that gives it a dusty appearance. It is an important predator of mites and scale insects on trees.
Did You Know?
Dustywings are the smallest of all neuropterans and are often overlooked because they resemble tiny moths.
Soldier Beetle
A soft-bodied beetle with orange-yellow elytra and a dark head. Adults are commonly seen on flower heads hunting small insects.
Did You Know?
They are sometimes called 'hogweed bonking beetles' due to mating pairs commonly seen on hogweed flowers.