Polished Rove Beetle vs Hover Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Polished Rove Beetle | Hover Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philonthus politus | Syrphus ribesii |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 9-13 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Detritivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North Africa | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Polished Rove Beetle
A medium-sized rove beetle with an exceptionally smooth, polished black integument and reddish-brown legs. It is a generalist predator found in a wide range of decomposing organic substrates.
Did You Know?
This species produces antimicrobial compounds in its defensive secretions that help protect it from the pathogen-rich environments it inhabits.
Hover Fly
A bright yellow and black banded hoverfly that is an excellent wasp mimic. It hovers motionless in sunbeams before darting to a new position with extraordinary agility.
Did You Know?
Hoverflies are the only insects besides hummingbirds and hawk-moths that can truly hover in one spot, fly backward, and fly sideways with precision.