New Zealand Rove Beetle vs Amazonian Water Scorpion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Rove Beetle Amazonian Water Scorpion
Scientific Name Quedius antipodus Ranatra spp.
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Staphylinidae Nepidae
Size 7-10 mm 30-50 mm including siphon
Habitat Forests Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions New Zealand Throughout South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

New Zealand Rove Beetle

A medium-sized, shiny dark rove beetle native to New Zealand's native forests. It is one of the most commonly encountered staphylinids in New Zealand's distinctive southern beech forests.

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Did You Know?

New Zealand's rove beetle fauna evolved in isolation for 80 million years, producing many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Amazonian Water Scorpion

A stick-like aquatic bug with an extremely elongated body and long breathing siphon at the rear. It hangs motionless near the surface, ambushing passing prey.

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Did You Know?

Despite the common name, it is not a scorpion at all and is completely harmless to humans though it can deliver a mild prick.