Common Black Ground Beetle vs Svalbard Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Black Ground Beetle | Svalbard Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterostichus melanarius | Atheta islandica |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Introduced to North America | Iceland, Svalbard, northern Scandinavia, Greenland |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Black Ground Beetle
One of the most abundant ground beetles in European farmland and gardens. It is a generalist predator active mainly at night.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most commonly caught beetles in pitfall traps across Europe.
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.
Did You Know?
This beetle survives in the High Arctic partly by living in seabird colonies where decomposing guano generates warmth.