African Net-winged Beetle vs African Hide Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Net-winged Beetle African Hide Beetle
Scientific Name Lycus trabeatus Trox sabulosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lycidae Trogidae
Size 15-30 mm 7-11 mm
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions East Africa, Southern Africa Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Net-winged Beetle

A brightly orange-red beetle with distinctive net-like wing venation and broad expanded elytra. It is toxic and serves as a model for many mimicry complexes.

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Did You Know?

Several unrelated beetle and moth species mimic its bright warning coloration to gain protection from predators.

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.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, hide beetles play dead and are nearly impossible to spot due to the dirt encrusted on their bodies.