Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle vs Clown Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle | Clown Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Velleius dilatatus | Hister unicolor |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Histeridae |
| Size | 15-24 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Scavengers |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle
A large, broad rove beetle with flattened expanded elytra, uniquely associated with European hornet nests. It is one of the few rove beetles that lives as an inquiline in social wasp colonies.
Did You Know?
This beetle has evolved tolerance to hornet stings and can live unharmed in active hornet nests that would be lethal to most other insects.
Clown Beetle
A small, shiny black beetle with a compact, rounded body. It is a predator of fly larvae found in dung and decaying matter.
Did You Know?
It can retract its legs and antennae into grooves on its body, making it nearly spherical.