Common Quaker vs Ant-Nest Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Quaker Ant-Nest Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Orthosia cerasi Atemeles emarginatus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Staphylinidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Central Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Quaker

A drab but very common spring moth attracted to sallow blossom. Variable brown coloring. Named 'quaker' for its plain, modest appearance. Larvae feed on many deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

Named 'Quaker' because its plain brown appearance was compared to the modest dress of the Quaker community.

Ant-Nest Rove Beetle

A small, amber-brown rove beetle that parasitizes two different ant species during its life cycle. Larvae develop in Formica nests and adults move to Myrmica nests.

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Did You Know?

It switches host ant species seasonally, overwintering with Myrmica ants and breeding in Formica nests in summer.