Picture-Winged Fly vs Stinking Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Picture-Winged Fly Stinking Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Delphinia picta Ocypus nero
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Ulidiidae Staphylinidae
Size 5-8 mm 16-25 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions North America Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Picture-Winged Fly

A small fly with beautifully patterned wings that it waves in display like tiny semaphore flags. The wing patterns may serve in species recognition and courtship.

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Did You Know?

When walking, it continuously waves its patterned wings in a mesmerizing display, resembling a tiny insect conductor leading an orchestra.

Stinking Rove Beetle

A jet-black rove beetle with finely punctured elytra and a broad head. It emits a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odour is produced by abdominal glands and is potent enough to deter birds and small mammals.