Neotropical Rove Beetle vs Emerald Ash Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Rove Beetle Emerald Ash Borer
Scientific Name Xanthopygus cognatus Agrilus planipennis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Buprestidae
Size 12-18 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Fruit Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Central and South America, Brazil to Mexico Asia, North America (invasive)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Neotropical Rove Beetle

A large, strikingly colored rove beetle with a bright orange pronotum contrasting with black elytra and head. It is one of the most conspicuous staphylinids in the Neotropical region.

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Did You Know?

The bright orange and black coloration of this beetle is thought to be aposematic, warning predators of its unpalatable defensive secretions.

Emerald Ash Borer

One of the most destructive invasive insects in North America. Native to Asia, it has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees since its detection in Michigan in 2002.

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Did You Know?

The emerald ash borer has killed over 100 million ash trees in North America — the economic damage exceeds $10 billion and threatens to eliminate an entire tree genus.