New Zealand Rove Beetle vs Ant-like Flower Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Rove Beetle Ant-like Flower Beetle
Scientific Name Quedius antipodus Anthicus antherinus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Anthicidae
Size 7-10 mm 2.5-3.5 mm
Habitat Forests Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Pollen Feeders
Regions New Zealand Europe
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.

Ant-like Flower Beetle

A tiny beetle resembling an ant, found on flowers and under debris. Has a distinctive narrowed 'neck' between head and thorax. Common but rarely noticed due to small size.

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Did You Know?

The narrow 'neck' and ant-like shape give it excellent ant mimicry that helps deter predators.