Anophthalmus Cave Beetle vs Spotted Brown Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Anophthalmus Cave Beetle | Spotted Brown Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anophthalmus hitleri | Staphylinus fossor |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Slovenia (a few caves near Celje) | Europe, Central Asia |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Anophthalmus Cave Beetle
A small, blind, depigmented cave beetle found in only a handful of caves in Slovenia. It has elongated legs and antennae for navigating in total darkness and was described in 1937.
Did You Know?
Its unfortunate scientific name, given in 1937, has made it a target for collectors who prize specimens for the name alone, contributing to its rarity.
Spotted Brown Rove Beetle
A large, robust rove beetle with a brown body covered in patches of golden and dark setae. It is a ground-dwelling predator found in grasslands and forest edges across the Palearctic.
Did You Know?
This beetle's powerful mandibles can crush snail shells, giving it access to a food source unavailable to most other rove beetles.