Metallic Hister Beetle vs Large Yellow Underwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Metallic Hister Beetle Large Yellow Underwing
Scientific Name Saprinus semistriatus Noctua pronuba
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Histeridae Noctuidae
Size 3-5 mm 50-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa, Western Asia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Metallic Hister Beetle

A small beetle with a metallic blue-green sheen found on carrion and sun-dried carcasses. It is frequently used in forensic entomology studies.

💡

Did You Know?

Its predictable arrival timeline on corpses makes it a valuable indicator for forensic investigators estimating time since death.

Large Yellow Underwing

One of the most abundant moths in Europe with bright yellow-orange hindwings bordered in black. It is strongly attracted to light at night.

💡

Did You Know?

It has successfully invaded North America and is now one of the most commonly found moths at porch lights across the continent.