Blue Paederine Rove Beetle vs Australian Paper Wasp
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Paederine Rove Beetle | Australian Paper Wasp |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paederus balcanicus | Polistes humilis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Balkans, Turkey, Middle East | Australia, Oceania |
| 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.
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.
Australian Paper Wasp
A common Australian paper wasp that builds small, open-celled papery nests under eaves, in shrubs, and other sheltered locations. It is a beneficial predator of caterpillars and other garden pests.
Did You Know?
Paper wasps chew wood fibres mixed with saliva to create their distinctive papery nests, a form of natural paper-making.