Meadow Quedius vs Smooth Hister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Meadow Quedius Smooth Hister Beetle
Scientific Name Quedius curtipennis Margarinotus striola
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Histeridae
Size 7-10 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Grasslands Indoors
Diet Herbivores Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Smooth Hister Beetle

A compact, highly polished black beetle with fine elytral striations. It is one of the most common dung-dwelling hister beetles in Europe.

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Did You Know?

Its almost mirror-like surface is so smooth that dung and debris slide off its body, keeping it permanently clean.