African Hide Beetle vs African Predator Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Hide Beetle | African Predator Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Trox sabulosus | Philonthus longicornis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Trogidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 7-11 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Farmland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa | Cosmopolitan: all continents except Antarctica |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Hide Beetle
A small, rough-textured beetle covered in soil particles and debris that provide excellent camouflage. Its elytra have rows of tubercles that trap dirt. It feeds on dried animal remains in advanced stages of decomposition.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, hide beetles play dead and are nearly impossible to spot due to the dirt encrusted on their bodies.
African Predator Rove Beetle
A medium-sized, cosmopolitan rove beetle with notably long antennae relative to its body size. It is commonly found in disturbed urban and agricultural habitats worldwide.
Did You Know?
This species has traveled the world with human commerce and is now one of the most widely distributed beetles on Earth.