Soldier Beetle vs Shadow Darner
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Soldier Beetle | Shadow Darner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cantharis livida | Aeshna umbrosa |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Cantharidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 11-14 mm | 65-75 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| 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.
Shadow Darner
A large, dark darner that hunts in shaded forest edges during evening hours. It is widespread across North America in wooded habitats.
Did You Know?
It is a crepuscular hunter, most active during the dim lighting of dawn and dusk.