Mustard Beetle vs Red Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mustard Beetle Red Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Phaedon cochleariae Platydracus maculosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Staphylinidae
Size 3-4 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mustard Beetle

A small metallic blue-black beetle that feeds on watercress, mustard and other crucifers. Both adults and larvae damage crops. Common in damp habitats near streams.

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Did You Know?

Commercial watercress growers regard this tiny beetle as one of their most persistent pest problems.

Red Rove Beetle

A large, brightly marked rove beetle with reddish elytra spotted with dark markings and a densely pubescent thorax. It is one of the most colorful North American staphylinids.

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Did You Know?

This beetle can produce audible stridulatory sounds by rubbing specialized structures on its abdomen against the underside of the elytra.