Golden Reed Beetle vs Soldier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden Reed Beetle | Soldier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Donacia vulgaris | Cantharis livida |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Golden Reed Beetle
A slender, metallic beetle with golden to coppery-green coloration and elongated antennae. It is commonly found resting on emergent aquatic vegetation in ponds and marshes.
Did You Know?
Adults possess hydrophobic hairs on their underside that trap a thin film of air, allowing them to survive brief submersion.
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.