African Blister Beetle vs Mole-nest Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Blister Beetle | Mole-nest Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mylabris oculata | Quedius mesomelinus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 15-30 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) | Europe, Western Asia, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Blister Beetle
A conspicuous beetle with orange-red and black banded elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent toxin that can cause severe skin blistering on contact.
Did You Know?
Its cantharidin is so toxic that even a small amount can kill a horse if ingested with contaminated hay or alfalfa.
Mole-nest Rove Beetle
A medium-sized, dark rove beetle commonly found in caves, cellars, and the nests of burrowing mammals. It is one of the most troglophilic rove beetles in the Palearctic region.
Did You Know?
This beetle is one of the most commonly recorded beetle species in European caves, thriving in the perpetual darkness.