Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle vs Shore Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle Shore Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Pyrochroa serraticornis Philonthus quisquiliarius
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Pyrochroidae Staphylinidae
Size 14-20 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Wetlands
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe
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.

Shore Rove Beetle

A small metallic greenish rove beetle found along pond and river margins in marshy habitats. Hunts small invertebrates in wet leaf litter and debris.

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Did You Know?

The metallic green sheen is unusual among European Philonthus species, most of which are plain black.