Chinese Dobsonfly vs Red and Black Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Dobsonfly Red and Black Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Neoneuromus ignobilis Paederus riparius
Order Megaloptera Coleoptera
Family Corydalidae Staphylinidae
Size 40-60 mm body 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Asia Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chinese Dobsonfly

A large dark-colored dobsonfly found in streams across China and Southeast Asia. It is less well known than its North American relatives but equally impressive in size.

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Did You Know?

In parts of China, dobsonfly larvae are collected from streams and used in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments.

Red and Black Rove Beetle

A small but notorious rove beetle with a red thorax and abdomen and blue-black elytra. Its hemolymph contains pederin, a potent blistering toxin.

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Did You Know?

Crushing this beetle on skin causes painful blistering dermatitis known as Paederus dermatitis.