Fungus Rove Beetle vs Sumac Gall Aphid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fungus Rove Beetle | Sumac Gall Aphid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lordithon thoracicus | Melaphis rhois |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Pemphigidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Did You Know?
The bright orange and black coloration may serve as warning coloration, as the beetle produces unpleasant-tasting defensive compounds.
Sumac Gall Aphid
A gall-forming aphid that produces large hollow galls on sumac trees in which colonies live and reproduce. Soldier nymphs defend the gall from invaders using their thickened front legs.
Did You Know?
Their soldier caste is composed of sterile first-instar nymphs that sacrifice their development to protect the colony.