Omalium Shore Rove Beetle vs Seaweed Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Omalium Shore Rove Beetle Seaweed Fly
Scientific Name Omalium rivulare Coelopa frigida
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Staphylinidae Coelopidae
Size 4-5 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Gardens Beaches & Coastal
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe, Northern Asia North Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Omalium Shore Rove Beetle

A small, flattened rove beetle found near water and in compost. It feeds on decaying plant matter as well as small invertebrates.

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Did You Know?

It is among the first insects to colonize fresh compost heaps, arriving within hours.

Seaweed Fly

A coastal fly whose larvae develop in rotting seaweed wrack on beaches. It forms massive swarms on strandlines that can annoy beachgoers.

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Did You Know?

It is a model organism for studying sexual selection because larger males win more mating contests.