Soldier Beetle vs Black-kneed Capsid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Soldier Beetle | Black-kneed Capsid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cantharis livida | Blepharidopterus angulatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Cantharidae | Miridae |
| Size | 11-14 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Orchards |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Soldier Beetle
A soft-bodied beetle with orange-yellow elytra and a dark head. Adults are commonly seen on flower heads hunting small insects.
Did You Know?
They are sometimes called 'hogweed bonking beetles' due to mating pairs commonly seen on hogweed flowers.
Black-kneed Capsid
A slender, pale green mirid bug with distinctive black knee joints. It is a beneficial predator found in European apple orchards where it feeds on red spider mites. It is one of the most important natural enemies of fruit tree red spider mite.
Did You Know?
A single individual can consume over 100 spider mites per day, making it so effective that some orchardists manage their spraying programs to conserve this natural predator.