Excavated Rove Beetle vs Washerwoman Christmas Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Excavated Rove Beetle Washerwoman Christmas Beetle
Scientific Name Omalium excavatum Anoplognathus porosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Scarabaeidae
Size 3-4 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Root Feeders
Regions Europe, introduced to North America Australia
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.

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Did You Know?

This species thrives in the heat-generating centers of compost heaps, tolerating temperatures that would be lethal to many other insects.

Washerwoman Christmas Beetle

A large tan to brown Christmas beetle with a rough, pitted elytra surface. It is one of the most widespread species in the genus.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from the washboard-like texture on its wing covers.