Fungicola Dung Beetle vs Svalbard Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fungicola Dung Beetle | Svalbard Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Helictopleurus fungicola | Atheta islandica |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Heathland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Madagascar | Iceland, Svalbard, northern Scandinavia, Greenland |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Fungicola Dung Beetle
A small dung beetle with an extraordinary pair of cephalic horns in males, revealed through genomic and morphological study. Its dark body bears fine punctation across the elytra.
Did You Know?
Genome sequencing of this species group revealed surprisingly complex horn structures that had been overlooked for decades by morphologists.
Svalbard Rove Beetle
A tiny, dark brown rove beetle found in some of the most northerly terrestrial habitats on Earth. It shelters in bird nests and guano deposits where the microclimate is warmer. Adults are active predators of mites.
Did You Know?
This beetle survives in the High Arctic partly by living in seabird colonies where decomposing guano generates warmth.