Mole-nest Rove Beetle vs Yellow Owlfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mole-nest Rove Beetle Yellow Owlfly
Scientific Name Quedius mesomelinus Libelloides longicornis
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Staphylinidae Ascalaphidae
Size 6-9 mm 20-25 mm body, 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Meadows
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia, introduced to North America Central and Southern Europe
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.

Yellow Owlfly

A beautiful owlfly with long clubbed antennae and bright yellow-and-black wings. It perches on grass stems with wings spread like a butterfly.

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Did You Know?

Adults can be seen sunbathing on grass stems with wings fully spread in the early morning.