Hieroglyphic Ladybird vs Rugged Oil Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hieroglyphic Ladybird Rugged Oil Beetle
Scientific Name Coccinella hieroglyphica Meloe rugosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Coccinellidae Meloidae
Size 4-5 mm 8-25 mm
Habitat Heathland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Western Europe, Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Hieroglyphic Ladybird

A European ladybird with extraordinarily variable elytral patterns resembling hieroglyphs. It is primarily found on heathlands where it feeds on heather beetles.

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Did You Know?

No two individuals have exactly the same elytral pattern, making each beetle uniquely identifiable.

Rugged Oil Beetle

A rare, dark and heavily wrinkled oil beetle that appears in autumn unlike its spring-emerging relatives. It is one of Britain's most endangered beetles.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few European oil beetles that is active during the autumn and winter months.