Sicilian Stag Beetle vs Cardinal Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sicilian Stag Beetle Cardinal Beetle
Scientific Name Lucanus cervus sicilianus Pyrochroa coccinea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lucanidae Pyrochroidae
Size 25-55 mm 14-18mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Sicily Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Sicilian Stag Beetle

A subspecies of the European stag beetle found on Sicily. Males are smaller than mainland forms but retain large mandibles.

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Did You Know?

Ancient Greeks associated stag beetles with thunder and believed they could attract lightning.

Cardinal Beetle

A striking flat beetle with a bright scarlet body and large black eyes. Larvae are predators under bark.

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Did You Know?

Named for its bright cardinal-red color that matches the robes of Roman Catholic cardinals.