Conifer Rove Beetle vs Small Milkweed Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Conifer Rove Beetle | Small Milkweed Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Quedius plagiatus | Lygaeus kalmii |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Lygaeidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Northern Europe, Siberia, boreal forests | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Conifer Rove Beetle
A medium-sized, dark rove beetle strongly associated with coniferous bark and dead wood. It is an important predator of bark beetle larvae in boreal and montane forests.
Did You Know?
Forestry studies have shown that this beetle can reduce bark beetle populations by up to 60 percent in naturally managed forests.
Small Milkweed Bug
A boldly patterned red-and-black seed bug that feeds on milkweed seeds and sequesters toxic cardiac glycosides. Its warning coloration advertises its chemical defense to predators.
Did You Know?
It stores milkweed toxins in its body, making it taste terrible to birds and other predators that try to eat it.