Black-kneed Capsid vs Robust Brown Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black-kneed Capsid Robust Brown Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Blepharidopterus angulatus Ocypus brunnipes
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Miridae Staphylinidae
Size 5-6 mm 14-20 mm
Habitat Orchards Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black-kneed Capsid

A slender, pale green mirid bug with distinctive black knee joints. It is a beneficial predator found in European apple orchards where it feeds on red spider mites. It is one of the most important natural enemies of fruit tree red spider mite.

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Did You Know?

A single individual can consume over 100 spider mites per day, making it so effective that some orchardists manage their spraying programs to conserve this natural predator.

Robust Brown Rove Beetle

A large, dark rove beetle with characteristic brown legs, found commonly in grasslands and meadows. It is a powerful nocturnal predator that shelters under stones by day.

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Did You Know?

Like its relative the devil's coach horse, this beetle emits a foul smell from its white-tipped abdominal glands when threatened.