Red-Brown Click Beetle vs Xiphydriid Maple Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red-Brown Click Beetle Xiphydriid Maple Borer
Scientific Name Ampedus sanguineus Xiphydria maculata
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Elateridae Xiphydriidae
Size 11-16 mm 10-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red-Brown Click Beetle

A handsome click beetle with vivid red elytra and a black head and thorax. Larvae develop in rotting conifer wood.

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Did You Know?

Despite its blood-red colour, it is harmless—the coloration is thought to mimic toxic beetles to deter predators.

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.

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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.