Eastern Bombardier Beetle vs Devil's Coach Horse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Bombardier Beetle | Devil's Coach Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachinus explodens | Ocypus olens |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 22-32 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Mediterranean | Europe, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eastern Bombardier Beetle
A bombardier beetle widespread across central and eastern Europe. It hunts small soil invertebrates at night.
Did You Know?
Its defensive spray is produced by mixing hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide in a specialized reaction chamber.
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.