Arctic Rove Beetle vs African Paper Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Rove Beetle African Paper Wasp
Scientific Name Quedius boops Belonogaster juncea
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Staphylinidae Vespidae
Size 6-9 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Scandinavia, Iceland, northern Russia, Scotland, Arctic Canada Southern Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arctic Rove Beetle

A medium-sized rove beetle with a sleek black body and short elytra. It has large eyes for hunting in dim conditions. Found under stones and in moss on Arctic tundra where it preys on other invertebrates.

💡

Did You Know?

This beetle produces defensive chemical secretions from abdominal glands that deter would-be predators.

African Paper Wasp

A slender reddish-brown social wasp that builds small open paper nests under eaves and branches. It preys on caterpillars to feed its larvae.

💡

Did You Know?

They are considered beneficial by gardeners because a single colony can destroy hundreds of caterpillar pests per week.