Dung-loving Rove Beetle vs Wasp Nest Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dung-loving Rove Beetle | Wasp Nest Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philonthus marginatus | Metoecus paradoxus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Ripiphoridae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 8-12mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Parasitoids |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, introduced to Australasia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dung-loving Rove Beetle
A medium-sized, shiny black rove beetle with distinctly margined elytra found commonly in dung and compost. It is one of the most frequently encountered Philonthus species in pastoral landscapes.
Did You Know?
This beetle has been introduced to New Zealand as a biological control agent against pastoral dung flies.
Wasp Nest Beetle
A bizarre wedge-shaped beetle that develops as a parasitoid inside social wasp nests. Males have feathery antennae.
Did You Know?
One of the most unusual beetles in Europe, spending its entire larval development inside live wasp nests.