Meadow Quedius vs Pinacate Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Meadow Quedius Pinacate Beetle
Scientific Name Quedius curtipennis Eleodes armata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Tenebrionidae
Size 7-10 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Grasslands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Southwestern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Meadow Quedius

A common rove beetle of grasslands and meadows with shortened wing cases exposing the flexible abdomen. Found in grass tussocks and at the base of vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Despite having short wing cases, it can still fly by unfolding long membranous hindwings stored beneath them.

Pinacate Beetle

A shiny black desert beetle with spine-like projections on its legs. It performs a distinctive headstand when threatened.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive headstand pose is so well known that it inspired the Aztec name 'pinacatl' meaning black beetle.