Kentucky Cave Beetle vs Large Elm Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Kentucky Cave Beetle Large Elm Beetle
Scientific Name Darlingtonea kentuckensis Oulimnius tuberculatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Elmidae
Size 5-6 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Caves Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions United States Europe
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Kentucky Cave Beetle

A troglobitic ground beetle found in caves along Kentucky's Cumberland Plateau. It is eyeless with elongated appendages typical of cave life.

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Did You Know?

Populations in different caves show significant genetic isolation from one another.

Large Elm Beetle

A small, robust riffle beetle found throughout European streams. Adults have a distinctive tuberculate surface texture on their elytra.

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Did You Know?

It is widely used as a bioindicator of good water quality in European river assessments.