14 May, 2023

This attractive beetle feeds on small insects and pollen. Eggs are laid under bark of dead trees in which the larvae feed for at least 2 years.

These beetles can be found across Europe, inhabiting woodlands, forests, meadows, and gardens. They have a preference for habitats with deciduous trees, where they find both shelter and sustenance.

Not only are these beetles visually appealing, but they also serve important ecological roles. They act as pollinators, aiding in plant reproduction, and their larvae contribute to the decomposition of decaying wood, playing a vital role in nutrient recycling.

Common Cardinal beetle – Pyrochroa serraticornis

Photograph by – Rosemary Winnall