European Xiphydriid vs Red Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Xiphydriid Red Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Xiphydria longicollis Platydracus maculosus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Xiphydriidae Staphylinidae
Size 12-18 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Xiphydriid

A slender wood wasp with a notably elongated pronotum giving it a long-necked appearance. The body is dark with pale lateral spots on the abdomen.

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Did You Know?

The elongated 'neck' that gives xiphydriids their distinctive appearance is actually an elongation of the pronotum, unique among wood wasps.

Red Rove Beetle

A large, brightly marked rove beetle with reddish elytra spotted with dark markings and a densely pubescent thorax. It is one of the most colorful North American staphylinids.

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Did You Know?

This beetle can produce audible stridulatory sounds by rubbing specialized structures on its abdomen against the underside of the elytra.