Zwartkopvuurkever -- Black-headed Cardinal Beetle

In Western Europe some three species of Cardinal Beetles (Fam. Pyrochroidae) are in existance. All species are uncommon or even rare. This means we are very lucky having the Black-headed Cardinal Beetle in our garden. Even though it is not a very big species (14 to 20 mm), it will catch your attention immediately, because of the striking red color. The adults may be found behind the loose bark of moulding trees, they will also visit flowers to eat pollen. The larvae live for 2 or three years in dead, rotting trees. They hunt for other beetle larvae, mainly those of Longhorns and Jewel Beetles. This species can be encountered all over Europe, including most of the British Isles, but it is not common anywhere.

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