Big-legged Bug vs Flower Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Big-legged Bug Flower Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Acanthocephala terminalis Eusphalerum luteum
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Coreidae Staphylinidae
Size 17-23 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Big-legged Bug

A large, dark coreid bug found in eastern North America with prominently expanded hind tibiae. The hind femora of males are greatly swollen with large spines. It feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

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Did You Know?

The exaggerated hind legs of males serve as weapons and signals of fitness, with larger-legged males winning more fights and mates.

Flower Rove Beetle

A small, yellowish omaline rove beetle that is unusual among staphylinids for being a regular flower visitor. It feeds on pollen and nectar and may play a role in pollination.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the few rove beetles that regularly visits flowers, and pollen grains found on its body suggest it may be an accidental pollinator.