Fungus Rove Beetle vs Four-spotted Cuckoo Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fungus Rove Beetle Four-spotted Cuckoo Bee
Scientific Name Lordithon thoracicus Nomada leucophthalma
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Staphylinidae Apidae
Size 5-7 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe, Western Asia
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.

Four-spotted Cuckoo Bee

A wasp-like cuckoo bee with reddish-brown and yellow markings that parasitizes Andrena mining bees. It is one of the earliest flying spring bees in Europe.

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Did You Know?

It closely resembles a small wasp rather than a bee, which helps it avoid being recognized as a threat by its hosts.