Japanese Alderfly vs Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Alderfly Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle
Scientific Name Sialis japonica Pyrochroa serraticornis
Order Megaloptera Coleoptera
Family Sialidae Pyrochroidae
Size 15-25 mm wingspan 14-20 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Hedgerows
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Japan, East Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Japanese Alderfly

A medium-sized alderfly found in ponds and slow streams across Japan. It is one of the most common megalopterans in East Asian lowland waters.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few megalopterans adapted to living in rice paddy fields.

Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle

A vivid red beetle with serrated antennae found on flowers and under bark. Larvae are predatory and live beneath the bark of dead trees.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most beetles, the bright red color is not a warning of toxicity but may mimic toxic species.