Common Thick-headed Fly vs Polished Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Thick-headed Fly | Polished Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sicus ferrugineus | Philonthus politus |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Conopidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.
Polished Rove Beetle
A medium-sized rove beetle with an exceptionally smooth, polished black integument and reddish-brown legs. It is a generalist predator found in a wide range of decomposing organic substrates.
Did You Know?
This species produces antimicrobial compounds in its defensive secretions that help protect it from the pathogen-rich environments it inhabits.