Blue-winged Rove Beetle vs Rough-collared Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue-winged Rove Beetle Rough-collared Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Platydracus chalcocephalus Helictopleurus rudicollis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Scarabaeidae
Size 12-17 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Predators Dung Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

Rough-collared Dung Beetle

An exclusively forest-dwelling dung beetle with a rough, heavily punctured pronotum that gives it its name. It is dark brown to black with a compact, dome-shaped body.

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Did You Know?

It has never been found outside intact forest, making it an indicator species for forest health in Madagascar.