Goldenrod Soldier Beetle vs Lined Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goldenrod Soldier Beetle Lined Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus Tachinus signatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cantharidae Staphylinidae
Size 9-12 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Nectar Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Japan, Eastern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

A familiar autumn beetle of eastern North America, commonly seen in large numbers on goldenrod flowers. Its yellow-and-black pattern mimics that of wasps.

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Did You Know?

It produces defensive compounds called dihydromatricaria acids that deter ants and other predators.

Lined Rove Beetle

A medium-sized rove beetle with distinctly patterned elytra bearing lighter margins. It is commonly found in fungal habitats and dung across much of the Northern Hemisphere.

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Did You Know?

Males of this species have modified abdominal segments that function as clasping organs during mating.