Gold-and-Brown Rove Beetle vs Australian Magpie Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Gold-and-Brown Rove Beetle Australian Magpie Moth
Scientific Name Ontholestes tessellatus Nyctemera amica
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Staphylinidae Erebidae
Size 14-20 mm 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Australia, New Zealand
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Gold-and-Brown Rove Beetle

A large rove beetle covered in a mosaic of golden and dark brown hairs. It frequents dung and carrion where it preys on fly larvae.

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Did You Know?

Its tessellated hair pattern acts as camouflage against the mottled surfaces of dung and decaying matter.

Australian Magpie Moth

A striking day-flying black and white moth from Australasia. Caterpillars feed on groundsel and ragwort, sequestering toxic alkaloids. The bold pattern warns predators of its toxicity.

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Did You Know?

Its bold black and white pattern serves as a warning to predators that it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.