Common Sun Beetle vs Arctic Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Sun Beetle | Arctic Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elaphrus cupreus | Quedius boops |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, northern Asia | Scandinavia, Iceland, northern Russia, Scotland, Arctic Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Sun Beetle
A small, brilliantly metallic copper-green beetle with distinctive eye-like pits on its elytra. It runs rapidly on wet mud and is a visual hunter of springtails.
Did You Know?
The peculiar mirror-like pits on its elytra are thought to function as light-reflecting structures that may confuse predators or aid in thermoregulation.
Arctic Rove Beetle
A medium-sized rove beetle with a sleek black body and short elytra. It has large eyes for hunting in dim conditions. Found under stones and in moss on Arctic tundra where it preys on other invertebrates.
Did You Know?
This beetle produces defensive chemical secretions from abdominal glands that deter would-be predators.