Horn-headed Rove Beetle vs Red-bellied Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horn-headed Rove Beetle | Red-bellied Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bledius tricornis | Tasgius melanarius |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Gardens |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe, introduced to North America and Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Horn-headed Rove Beetle
A small rove beetle in which males bear three horn-like projections on the head, used in combat for burrow ownership. It is a specialist of sandy riparian habitats near rivers and lakes.
Did You Know?
Males with larger horns win more contests for burrow ownership, but hornless 'sneaker' males can also mate by entering burrows when the resident male is absent.
Red-bellied Rove Beetle
A large, shiny black rove beetle with a reddish-brown abdominal tip, found in synanthropic habitats across Europe. It is commonly encountered in gardens and urban areas where it hunts at night.
Did You Know?
This beetle is one of the most synanthropic rove beetles, frequently entering houses and cellars where it is often mistaken for an earwig.