Red Soldier Beetle vs Toadflax Seed Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Soldier Beetle Toadflax Seed Weevil
Scientific Name Rhagonycha fulva Gymnetron antirrhini
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cantharidae Curculionidae
Size 8-10 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

In the UK it is commonly known as the bloodsucker beetle, though it is completely harmless to humans.

Toadflax Seed Weevil

A small dark weevil that develops inside the seed capsules of toadflax and snapdragon plants. Larvae consume developing seeds. Part of the biological control program for invasive toadflax.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can destroy up to 90% of seeds in a toadflax capsule, significantly reducing plant reproduction.