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Black-headed Cardinal Beetle

Pyrochroa coccinea

The Black-headed Cardinal Beetle is a bright red bug with a shiny black head. It loves to be in gardens and forests, where it can find flowers and plants to munch on.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Black-headed Cardinal Beetle is easily recognized by its strikingly vivid red body and elytra, contrasting sharply with its matte black head, antennae, and legs. It has a distinctive flattened body shape, which helps it to hide. Its wing covers, or elytra, are notably soft compared to most beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyPyrochroidaeGenusPyrochroa
Black-headed Cardinal Beetle
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Black-headed Cardinal Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adults are often seen on sunny days, but their larvae are secret underground predators!

Its larvae can live for up to three years, completely hidden under tree bark!

They are named 'cardinal' for their stunning red color, just like the robes of a cardinal!

Unlike most beetles, their fiery red wing covers are surprisingly soft to the touch!

Special abilities

Ability

Warning Wear

Black-headed Cardinal Beetles have a vibrant red body that warns predators they might taste bad or be toxic.

Ability

Bark Crevice Navigator

Black-headed Cardinal Beetles can flatten their bodies to expertly squeeze into tight spaces under tree bark.

Ability

Hidden Hunter

Black-headed Cardinal Beetle larvae can hunt and capture other insect larvae dwelling within dead wood.

Measurements & details

Size
10-14 mm
Lifespan
10-30 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers, while their hungry larvae hunt other insects within wood.

Age differences: Larvae are carnivorous, feeding on other insect larvae found under bark. Adults are primarily herbivorous, consuming pollen and nectar.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • aphids
  • wood-boring beetle larvae
  • other insect larvae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and watch where you step, as small bugs can be easily hurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Black-headed Cardinal Beetle?

10-14 mm

How long does Black-headed Cardinal Beetle live?

10-30 days

What does Black-headed Cardinal Beetle eat?

Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers, while their hungry larvae hunt other insects within wood.

Where is Black-headed Cardinal Beetle usually found?

Forests

How does Black-headed Cardinal Beetle hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Black-headed Cardinal Beetle have?

6

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