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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
wildlife trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
Fire-colored Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

1

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

Ability

Crimson Camouflage

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

Ability

Sensitive Sensors

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

Ability

Underground Hunter

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

Also known as

Fire BeetleRed Fire Beetle

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Fire-colored Beetle?

The easiest way to identify Fire-colored Beetle is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Fire-colored Beetle's wingspan?

15-25 mm

How big is Fire-colored Beetle?

10-14 mm

How long does Fire-colored Beetle live?

30-90 days

How fast can Fire-colored Beetle fly?

8 km/h

What does Fire-colored Beetle eat?

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

Where is Fire-colored Beetle usually found?

Gardens and meadows

How does Fire-colored Beetle hunt?

Foraging

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