Rain Beetle Hunter vs Brazilian Pergid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rain Beetle Hunter Brazilian Pergid Sawfly
Scientific Name Calosoma cancellatum Perreyia flavipes
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Carabidae Pergidae
Size 18-25 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions North America, from Canada to Mexico South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rain Beetle Hunter

A medium to large caterpillar hunter with dark elytra marked by rows of rectangular pits giving a grid-like appearance. It is one of the most common Calosoma species across North American prairies.

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Did You Know?

It emerges in massive numbers after rain events on the Great Plains, earning the nickname rain beetle, and can be found running across roads in huge aggregations.

Brazilian Pergid Sawfly

A medium-sized pergid sawfly with dark coloring and yellowish legs. Larvae are gregarious and feed on various plant species in pastures and open areas.

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Did You Know?

The larvae of this species are toxic to livestock; cattle and sheep that ingest the larvae while grazing can develop severe liver damage and die.