Common red soldier beetle vs Cardinal beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a common red soldier beetle from a cardinal beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Common red soldier beetle
Rhagonycha fulva
Cardinal beetle
Pyrochroa coccinea
≠The key differences
Rhagonycha fulva is more orange than deep scarlet, has a slimmer shape and the head is more visible from above; soldier beetles are also softer-bodied and have different pronotum shape.
⚖︎Side by side
| Common red soldier beetle | Cardinal beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 7-10 mm long | 14-18 mm long |
| Colours | Orange-red, Black (legs/antennae tips), Pale yellow (occasionally on pronotum margins) | Scarlet red, Crimson red, Black (legs/antennae) |
| Family | Cantharidae | Pyrochroidae |
| Habitat | Meadows, hedgerows, gardens, roadside verges and flower-rich areas; adults on open flowers, larvae in leaf litter and soil | Woodland edges, hedgerows, scrub, meadows and gardens — often on flowers, leaves and tree bark near decaying wood |
| Range | Widespread across much of Europe; common in the British Isles and continental Europe | Widespread across much of Europe, including the British Isles, central and western Europe; distribution details vary by region |
| Active | Late spring to late summer (commonly June to August); diurnal (active in daytime) | Late spring to early summer; diurnal (active during the day) |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a common red soldier beetle
- Orange-red body with black tips to the wing cases, 7-10 mm long
- Soft-bodied, slightly flattened beetle with long threadlike antennae
- Often seen on open flowers during warm, sunny days in summer
- Antennae darker toward the tips; wing cases soft rather than hard and shiny
🔍How to spot a cardinal beetle
- Bright scarlet-red elytra and pronotum with a black head
- Black legs and black, saw-toothed to comb-like antennae (most branched in males)
- Soft-bodied, slightly flattened beetle 14-18 mm long often sitting on flowers, leaves or tree trunks
- Usually seen in late spring and early summer near decaying wood
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a common red soldier beetle and a cardinal beetle?
Rhagonycha fulva is more orange than deep scarlet, has a slimmer shape and the head is more visible from above; soldier beetles are also softer-bodied and have different pronotum shape.
Is a common red soldier beetle or a cardinal beetle more dangerous?
Common red soldier beetle: Non-toxic. Cardinal beetle: Non-toxic. Not venomous and not known to bite in normal handling. Cardinal beetles are not dangerous to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.