Pale Evening Dun vs Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pale Evening Dun Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Heptagenia adaequata Paederus amazonicus
Order Ephemeroptera Coleoptera
Family Heptageniidae Staphylinidae
Size 8-12 mm 7-9 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Amazon Basin, tropical South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pale Evening Dun

A flat-bodied mayfly whose nymphs press tightly against rocks in swift currents. Adults emerge at dusk during summer months.

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Did You Know?

Its extremely flattened body allows it to resist currents that would sweep away most other insects.

Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle

A brightly colored Amazonian rove beetle with orange and metallic blue markings typical of the Paederus genus. It thrives in tropical riverine habitats where it hunts small arthropods in vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Amazonian indigenous peoples have long known to avoid crushing this beetle on skin, having independently discovered the dermatitis-causing properties of pederin.