# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Gardens and meadows - **Also known as:** Fire Beetle, Red Fire Beetle ![Fire-colored Beetle](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425744/objects/5559.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Pyrochroidae - **Genus:** Pyrochroa ## 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 - **Crimson Camouflage:** Fire-colored Beetles have a bright red color that helps warn predators they might taste bad, keeping them safe. - **Sensitive Sensors:** Fire-colored Beetles use their comb-like antennae to detect mates and locate potential food sources from afar. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Birds often prey on adult Fire-colored Beetles. - **Shelter:** Common Oak (*Quercus robur*) — Larvae develop and hunt under dead tree bark. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## 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? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Zoologická zahrada Děčín - Pastýřská stěna](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/zoologick-zahrada-d-n-past-sk-st-na) — Ústí nad Labem Region, CZ · Zoo ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Fire-colored Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fire-colored-beetle)