Net-winged Beetle vs Colorado Soldier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Net-winged Beetle Colorado Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name Calopteron reticulatum Chauliognathus basalis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycidae Cantharidae
Size 10-18 mm 8-12mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Net-winged Beetle

A toxic beetle with raised net-like veins on its elytra and aposematic coloration.

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Did You Know?

It forms the model species in a large mimicry ring with moths and other beetles.

Colorado Soldier Beetle

A soft-bodied beetle with orange and brown elytra commonly found on flowers. It is an important pollinator and predator of small insects.

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Did You Know?

Soldier beetles produce toxic compounds called cantharidins in their blood that make them unpalatable to predators.