Golden net-wing (Dictyoptera aurura)

Golden Net-wing (Dictyoptera aurora)

(Note: sometimes misspelled as “aurura”)

The Golden Net-wing, Dictyoptera aurora, is a strikingly colored beetle found in woodlands across parts of Europe and Asia. Belonging to the Lycidae family (net-winged beetles), it is recognized by its bright red-orange coloration and intricately ridged, soft elytra (wing covers). Though it may appear dangerous due to its vivid coloring, it is entirely harmless and plays a role in forest ecosystems.

🪲 Identification

Length: 8–12 mm
Color:
- Bright red-orange or scarlet elytra
- Black head, antennae, legs, and pronotum (shield-like structure behind the head)
Elytra:
- Soft, flexible, and longitudinally ridged, giving a netted appearance
Antennae: Feathery or comb-like in males, more slender in females

Its aposematic (warning) coloration mimics that of distasteful or toxic insects to deter predators.

🌿 Habitat

Deciduous and mixed forests
Woodland edges, clearings, and hedgerows
Prefers moist, shady areas with plenty of dead wood

Most often seen resting on vegetation, particularly in June and July.

🔁 Life Cycle & Behavior

Adults are active flyers during late spring to mid-summer
Usually found in small numbers
Do not feed much as adults; some may take nectar or honeydew, but many do not feed at all

Larvae:

Develop in rotting wood, especially decaying hardwood logs and stumps
Feed on fungi, dead plant material, and organic detritus
Play a role in decomposition and nutrient cycling

🛡️ Defense & Mimicry

Their bright red coloration is a form of Batesian mimicry, warning predators of potential unpalatability (despite not being toxic themselves)
Resemble toxic beetles or fire-colored species (like Pyrochroa)
Not dangerous to humans or animals

🌍 Distribution

Found across parts of:
- Central and Northern Europe (including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Baltic countries)
- Eastern Europe
- Western Russia
Uncommon in western Europe and rare in some areas due to habitat loss

🧬 Interesting Facts

The genus Dictyoptera in this case refers to beetles, not to be confused with the insect order Dictyoptera (which includes cockroaches and mantids).
“Net-winged” refers to the reticulated pattern on the soft wing covers.
Despite their soft bodies, they can be fairly resilient and are well-adapted to life in forest ecosystems.

🛡️ Conservation Status

Not globally threatened, but considered local or uncommon in parts of its range
Sensitive to:
- Forest degradation
- Loss of deadwood
- Over-cleaned woodland areas

Conservation actions emphasize the importance of:

Leaving deadwood in forests
Maintaining natural woodland structure