Fungus Rove Beetle vs African Giant Carpenter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fungus Rove Beetle African Giant Carpenter Bee
Scientific Name Lordithon thoracicus Xylocopa flavorufa
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Staphylinidae Apidae
Size 5-7 mm 25-33 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Fungus Rove Beetle

A colorful rove beetle of the Tachyporinae with a reddish-orange pronotum and dark elytra, typically found on bracket fungi. It preys on fly larvae developing in fungal fruiting bodies.

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Did You Know?

The bright orange and black coloration may serve as warning coloration, as the beetle produces unpleasant-tasting defensive compounds.

African Giant Carpenter Bee

One of Africa's largest bees, with females covered in tawny-orange fur and males in yellowish hair. It bores large nest tunnels into dead wood.

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Did You Know?

Their nesting tunnels can extend over 30 cm into solid wood and may be used by successive generations for years.