Blue-winged Rove Beetle vs High Brown Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue-winged Rove Beetle High Brown Fritillary
Scientific Name Platydracus chalcocephalus Fabriciana adippe
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Staphylinidae Nymphalidae
Size 12-17 mm 55-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
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.

High Brown Fritillary

A large, fast-flying fritillary with rich tawny-orange wings and a complex pattern of silver spots beneath. It is one of Europe's most rapidly declining butterflies.

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Did You Know?

In Britain it is the country's most endangered butterfly, having lost over 80% of its colonies.