Cardinal Beetle
Pyrochroa serraticornis
This record describes Pyrochroa serraticornis (species). Recorded family: Pyrochroidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of several Cardinal Beetles, this species has a red head to distinguish it from P. coccinea which has a black head. On flowers, trunks and stumps where it hunts other insects. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Pyrochroa serraticornis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrochroa_serraticornis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Pyrochroidae
- Genus
- Pyrochroa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On flowers, trunks and stumps where it hunts other insects.
Seasonal Activity
Between May and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a predator.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pyrochroa serraticornis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cardinal Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Beetle
What is Cardinal Beetle?
Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis) is a species in the family Pyrochroidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cardinal Beetle found?
Habitat: On flowers, trunks and stumps where it hunts other insects.
When is Cardinal Beetle active?
Cardinal Beetle: seasonal activity - Between May and July..
What is the life cycle of a Cardinal Beetle?
It is a predator.