Lined Rove Beetle vs Stinking Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lined Rove Beetle Stinking Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Tachinus signatus Ocypus nero
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Staphylinidae
Size 5-7 mm 16-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Japan, Eastern Asia Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lined Rove Beetle

A medium-sized rove beetle with distinctly patterned elytra bearing lighter margins. It is commonly found in fungal habitats and dung across much of the Northern Hemisphere.

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Did You Know?

Males of this species have modified abdominal segments that function as clasping organs during mating.

Stinking Rove Beetle

A jet-black rove beetle with finely punctured elytra and a broad head. It emits a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odour is produced by abdominal glands and is potent enough to deter birds and small mammals.