Simulated Jewel Beetle vs Soldier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Simulated Jewel Beetle Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name Castiarina simulata Cantharis livida
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Buprestidae Cantharidae
Size 8-12 mm 11-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Hedgerows
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Simulated Jewel Beetle

A small jewel beetle with variable yellow and black banded patterning on its elytra. It is found in eucalypt habitats across southern and western Australia.

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Did You Know?

Its color pattern closely mimics that of unrelated wasp species to deter predators.

Soldier Beetle

A soft-bodied beetle with orange-yellow elytra and a dark head. Adults are commonly seen on flower heads hunting small insects.

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Did You Know?

They are sometimes called 'hogweed bonking beetles' due to mating pairs commonly seen on hogweed flowers.