Large Elm Beetle vs Kentucky Cave Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

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

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.

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.