Long-Toed Water Beetle vs Horn-headed Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-Toed Water Beetle Horn-headed Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Stenelmis crenata Bledius tricornis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Elmidae Staphylinidae
Size 2-3.5 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions North America Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Long-Toed Water Beetle

A small riffle beetle with elongated tarsal claws for gripping rocks in fast currents. Both adults and larvae are entirely aquatic.

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Did You Know?

Adults can live for several years underwater, far longer than most beetles.

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.

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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.