Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle vs Swallowtail Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle | Swallowtail Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Velleius dilatatus | Papilio machaon |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 15-24 mm | 65-86 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, 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.
Swallowtail Butterfly
Elegant butterfly with yellow wings marked with black veins and blue-red eyespots on hindwings. The tail extensions on hindwings divert predator attacks from the body.
Did You Know?
Swallowtail caterpillars have a hidden orange forked organ called an osmeterium that they pop out from behind their head when threatened, releasing a foul smell.