Blue-winged Rove Beetle vs Helvetian Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue-winged Rove Beetle Helvetian Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Platydracus chalcocephalus Oreonebria castanea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Carabidae
Size 12-17 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Grasslands Mountains
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Alps, Pyrenees
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blue-winged Rove Beetle

A handsome rove beetle with a metallic blue-green head and pronotum contrasting with brown elytra. It is found in wooded areas and is a capable flier attracted to lights at night.

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Did You Know?

The metallic coloration of its head is produced by nanostructures in the cuticle that interfere with light, similar to how a soap bubble creates colors.

Helvetian Ground Beetle

A cold-adapted ground beetle of high-altitude scree and moraines. It is active during short alpine summers near snowmelt areas.

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Did You Know?

It can remain active at temperatures just above freezing.