Soldier Beetle vs Rainbow Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Soldier Beetle Rainbow Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Cantharis livida Chrysolina fastuosa
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cantharidae Chrysomelidae
Size 11-14 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Herbivores
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Rainbow Leaf Beetle

A metallic multicolored beetle with iridescent green, blue, and purple stripes.

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Did You Know?

Its rainbow coloration is produced by thin-film interference in its cuticle.