Fire-colored Beetle

Pyrochroa serraticornis

The Fire-colored Beetle is bright red and looks like it's on fire! It's a lovely beetle to find in the garden.

Habitat: Gardens and meadows

Appearance

The Fire-colored Beetle has a distinctive flattened body and a brilliant reddish-orange to scarlet coloration. Its head, legs, and prominent comb-like antennae are typically black, creating a striking contrast that sets it apart from other beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyPyrochroidaeGenusPyrochroa

Fire-colored Beetle

Interesting facts

Finding Fire-colored Beetles often means there's important dead wood nearby for their larvae to hunt!

Fire-colored Beetle larvae can live for several years hidden under tree bark before becoming adults!

Male Fire-colored Beetles have feathery, comb-like antennae that are extra fancy and prominent!

These beetles belong to a family called 'Cardinal Beetles,' named after the vibrant red bird!

Special abilities

Fire-colored Beetles have a bright red color that helps warn predators they might taste bad, keeping them safe.

Fire-colored Beetles use their comb-like antennae to detect mates and locate potential food sources from afar.

Fire-colored Beetle larvae are secret predators, hunting other insect larvae under tree bark using their strong jaws.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 15-25 mm
Size: 10-14 mm
Lifespan: 30-90 days
Flight Speed: 8 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar and pollen; their larvae hunt other insects under tree bark.

Age differences: Larvae are carnivorous hunters, while adults primarily feed on nectar and pollen.

Primary Foods

Nectar
Pollen
Beetle larvae
Other insect larvae

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Elm Bark Beetle

Scolytus scolytus

Larvae prey on wood-boring insect larvae under bark.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds often prey on adult Fire-colored Beetles.

shelters

Common Oak

Quercus robur

Larvae develop and hunt under dead tree bark.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Urban Friendly

Spot amazing living things that thrive right alongside us in cities and towns, finding homes in parks, gardens, and even cracks in pavements.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.