Blue Ground Beetle vs Horn-headed Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue Ground Beetle Horn-headed Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Carabus intricatus Bledius tricornis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Staphylinidae
Size 24-36mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Seed Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Blue Ground Beetle

A large brilliant blue beetle with intricately sculptured elytra. It is a nocturnal predator of slugs and snails in ancient woodlands.

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Did You Know?

It is strongly associated with ancient woodlands and its presence is used as an indicator of forest ecological health.

Horn-headed Rove Beetle

A small rove beetle in which males bear three horn-like projections on the head, used in combat for burrow ownership. It is a specialist of sandy riparian habitats near rivers and lakes.

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Did You Know?

Males with larger horns win more contests for burrow ownership, but hornless 'sneaker' males can also mate by entering burrows when the resident male is absent.