Blue Paederine Rove Beetle vs African Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue Paederine Rove Beetle African Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Paederus balcanicus Sternocera orissa
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Buprestidae
Size 7-9 mm 30-50 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Balkans, Turkey, Middle East East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blue Paederine Rove Beetle

A colorful Paederus rove beetle with metallic blue elytra and an orange thorax, found in southeastern Europe. Like all Paederus, it contains the blistering agent pederin in its body fluids.

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Did You Know?

In Turkey and the Middle East, outbreaks of this species near villages can cause hundreds of dermatitis cases in a single season.

African Jewel Beetle

A large metallic green and gold jewel beetle with textured elytra. Adults are found on acacia and other savanna trees.

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Did You Know?

Their wing cases have been used for centuries in traditional African and Asian jewelry and textile decoration.