Black-kneed Capsid vs Southern Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-kneed Capsid | Southern Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharidopterus angulatus | Philonthus spinipes |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Miridae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 8-11 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa |
| 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.
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.
Southern Rove Beetle
A shiny, black rove beetle with distinctive spiny hind tibiae. It is a fast-running predator commonly found under stones and debris in drier, warmer habitats of southern Europe.
Did You Know?
The spiny tibiae that give this species its name are used as weapons in combat with rival males over territory and mates.