Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle vs Congo Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle Congo Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Pyrochroa serraticornis Sternocera castanea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Pyrochroidae Buprestidae
Size 14-20 mm 30-50 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Grasslands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe West and Central Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, DRC, Ghana)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle

A vivid red beetle with serrated antennae found on flowers and under bark. Larvae are predatory and live beneath the bark of dead trees.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most beetles, the bright red color is not a warning of toxicity but may mimic toxic species.

Congo Jewel Beetle

A large, brilliantly metallic jewel beetle with copper and green iridescent elytra. Adults are found on trees where they feed on foliage. Larvae are wood borers that develop inside tree roots.

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Did You Know?

The iridescent elytra of jewel beetles are used in traditional African and Asian jewelry, as their colors never fade.