Pictured Rove Beetle vs Budwing Mantis
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pictured Rove Beetle | Budwing Mantis |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paederus littoralis | Parasphendale affinis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Mantodea |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Mantidae |
| Size | 7-10mm | 40-60 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
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.
Budwing Mantis
A sturdy, aggressive mantis from East Africa named for the bud-like wing stubs of the females, who are mostly flightless. Males are slender with full wings.
Did You Know?
Budwing mantises are among the most aggressive mantis species and have been observed attacking prey larger than themselves, including small lizards.