Mole-nest Rove Beetle vs Sculpted Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mole-nest Rove Beetle Sculpted Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Quedius mesomelinus Anotylus sculpturatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Staphylinidae
Size 6-9 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Gardens
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia, introduced to North America Europe, Western Asia, introduced globally
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mole-nest Rove Beetle

A medium-sized, dark rove beetle commonly found in caves, cellars, and the nests of burrowing mammals. It is one of the most troglophilic rove beetles in the Palearctic region.

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Did You Know?

This beetle is one of the most commonly recorded beetle species in European caves, thriving in the perpetual darkness.

Sculpted Rove Beetle

A small, stout oxytelline rove beetle with deeply sculptured integument and a distinctively broad, flat body. It is a very common species in agricultural and garden compost across Europe.

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Did You Know?

Enormous swarms of this beetle sometimes emerge from compost heaps and can be seen flying in dense clouds at dusk.