Large Violet Click Beetle vs Xiphydriid Maple Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Large Violet Click Beetle	Xiphydriid Maple Borer
Scientific Name	Limoniscus violaceus	Xiphydria maculata
Order	Coleoptera	Hymenoptera
Family	Elateridae	Xiphydriidae
Size	9-12 mm	10-18 mm
Habitat	Parks	Woodlands
Diet	Wood Feeders	Wood Feeders
Regions	Europe	North America
Conservation	Vulnerable	Least Concern

Large Violet Click Beetle

A rare and distinctive click beetle with a dark violet-black body and fine pubescence. It develops in the decaying heartwood of ancient hollow trees, particularly beech and ash.

💡

Did You Know?

It is one of Europe's rarest beetles and is listed under the EU Habitats Directive, with known populations at only a handful of sites.

Xiphydriid Maple Borer

A slender wood wasp with a long, narrow neck region and dark body spotted with pale markings. Females bore into hardwood trees, especially maples.

💡

Did You Know?

Xiphydriid wood wasps are rarely seen despite being widespread, as they are secretive insects that spend most of their life cycle deep inside wood.