Alpine Rove Beetle vs Toothed Earwig

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Rove Beetle Toothed Earwig
Scientific Name Ocypus alpestris Spongovostox ghilianii
Order Coleoptera Dermaptera
Family Staphylinidae Forficulidae
Size 14-20 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions Alps, Central European mountains Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alpine Rove Beetle

A large, black rove beetle of high-altitude meadows and forest edges. It is a fast-running predator of insects and larvae.

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Did You Know?

It raises its flexible abdomen like a scorpion when threatened, though it has no stinger.

Toothed Earwig

A large earwig with heavily toothed forceps found in southern European forests.

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Did You Know?

Its forceps bear multiple teeth along the inner edge for gripping prey.