Large Red Damselfly vs Pitted Ambrosia Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Red Damselfly Pitted Ambrosia Beetle
Scientific Name Pyrrhosoma nymphula Cnesinus strigicollis
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Coenagrionidae Curculionidae
Size 33-36 mm wingspan 2-3mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Predators Fungus Feeders
Regions Europe North America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Large Red Damselfly

One of the first damselflies to emerge each spring in Europe, with a distinctive bright red body and black legs. It is commonly found at garden ponds.

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Did You Know?

Large red damselflies are among the earliest odonates to emerge in spring, often appearing as early as April when few other species are flying.

Pitted Ambrosia Beetle

A tiny dark brown bark beetle that cultivates fungal gardens inside its tunnels. It introduces ambrosia fungi into the wood which it and its larvae eat.

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Did You Know?

It is one of many beetle species that practice true agriculture cultivating fungal crops inside tree tunnels for food.