Rainbow Ground Beetle vs Dark Soldier Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rainbow Ground Beetle | Dark Soldier Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carabus nitens | Cantharis obscura |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Cantharidae |
| Size | 14-18 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Meadows |
| Diet | Predators | Pollen Feeders |
| Regions | Northern and Central Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Rainbow Ground Beetle
A spectacularly colored ground beetle with elytra showing bands of metallic green, copper, and red, with three prominent raised ridges. It is associated with wet heathland habitats.
Did You Know?
Its brilliant rainbow coloring makes it one of the most beautiful European beetles, yet it is increasingly rare due to the drainage and destruction of its specialized heathland habitat.
Dark Soldier Beetle
A dark-colored European soldier beetle often found on umbelliferous flowers. Its entirely dark elytra distinguish it from the more colorful soldier beetle species.
Did You Know?
Larvae are velvety black and hunt small invertebrates among leaf litter throughout the winter months.