Devil's Coach Horse vs Banks' Jumping Bristletail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Devil's Coach Horse | Banks' Jumping Bristletail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ocypus olens | Machiloides banksi |
| Order | Coleoptera | Archaeognatha |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Machilidae |
| Size | 22-32 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | United States, Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Devil's Coach Horse
A large, matt-black rove beetle that raises its tail like a scorpion when threatened. It has powerful jaws and emits a foul smell.
Did You Know?
In medieval Ireland it was believed to have the power to curse a person it pointed its tail at.
Banks' Jumping Bristletail
A North American bristletail found in leaf litter and under stones. It has a cylindrical body covered in tiny scales.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few Archaeognatha species found in North America.