Excavated Rove Beetle vs Red Underwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Excavated Rove Beetle | Red Underwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Omalium excavatum | Catocala nupta |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Erebidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | Wingspan 70-82mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Excavated Rove Beetle
A small, brownish omaline rove beetle with distinctive excavations on the pronotum. It frequents decaying vegetation and is particularly associated with compost heaps and grass clippings.
Did You Know?
This species thrives in the heat-generating centers of compost heaps, tolerating temperatures that would be lethal to many other insects.
Red Underwing
A large moth with bark-like grey forewings and vivid red and black banded hindwings flashed as a startle defense.
Did You Know?
When disturbed from tree bark it flashes its bright red hindwings creating a startle effect then vanishes by closing them.