Red Soldier Beetle vs Emperor Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Soldier Beetle | Emperor Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhagonycha fulva | Papilio ophidicephalus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Cantharidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 100-130 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southern Africa, East Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red Soldier Beetle
A very common soldier beetle in Europe with orange-red elytra tipped in black. It is one of the most familiar beetles on hogweed and other umbellifer flowers.
Did You Know?
In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.
Emperor Swallowtail
South Africa's largest butterfly with bold black and yellow-green markings. Its caterpillar mimics a bird dropping in early instars.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's head bears false eyespots that make it resemble a small snake to deter predators.