Pictured Rove Beetle vs Blue Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pictured Rove Beetle Blue Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Paederus littoralis Carabus intricatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Carabidae
Size 7-10mm 24-36mm
Habitat Wetlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Pictured Rove Beetle

A slender black and orange rove beetle with short elytra exposing most of its abdomen. It contains the toxin pederin which causes severe skin blisters.

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Did You Know?

Pederin produced by symbiotic bacteria in the beetle is more potent drop for drop than cobra venom but is only released when the beetle is crushed on skin.

Blue Ground Beetle

A large brilliant blue beetle with intricately sculptured elytra. It is a nocturnal predator of slugs and snails in ancient woodlands.

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Did You Know?

It is strongly associated with ancient woodlands and its presence is used as an indicator of forest ecological health.