Fen Rove Beetle vs Elderberry Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fen Rove Beetle Elderberry Borer
Scientific Name Stenus providus Desmocerus palliatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Cerambycidae
Size 3.5-4.5 mm 18-26 mm
Habitat Wetlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Root Feeders
Regions Northern Europe Eastern North America from Quebec to Florida
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fen Rove Beetle

A tiny rove beetle of wetland margins with exceptionally large eyes for a beetle its size. Uses a retractable sticky labial pad to catch springtails. Confined to fen habitats.

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Did You Know?

Has proportionally the largest eyes of any British beetle relative to its body size.

Elderberry Borer

A striking longhorn beetle with cobalt blue wing covers and a bright yellow-orange base. Its larvae develop inside the stems and roots of living elderberry shrubs.

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Did You Know?

Its vivid blue and yellow coloring is thought to mimic toxic net-winged beetles for protection from predators.