Caribbean Giant Centipede vs Svalbard Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Caribbean Giant Centipede Svalbard Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Scolopendra alternans Atheta islandica
Order Scolopendromorpha Coleoptera
Family Scolopendridae Staphylinidae
Size 150-200 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Caribbean Iceland, Svalbard, northern Scandinavia, Greenland
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Caribbean Giant Centipede

A large centipede found across the Caribbean islands with alternating dark and light body segments. It is an aggressive predator of insects and small vertebrates.

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Did You Know?

It can deliver a painful venomous bite that causes intense local swelling.

Svalbard Rove Beetle

A tiny, dark brown rove beetle found in some of the most northerly terrestrial habitats on Earth. It shelters in bird nests and guano deposits where the microclimate is warmer. Adults are active predators of mites.

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Did You Know?

This beetle survives in the High Arctic partly by living in seabird colonies where decomposing guano generates warmth.