Red and Black Rove Beetle vs Silky Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red and Black Rove Beetle Silky Lacewing
Scientific Name Paederus riparius Psychopsis illidgei
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Staphylinidae Psychopsidae
Size 7-10 mm 30-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red and Black Rove Beetle

A small but notorious rove beetle with a red thorax and abdomen and blue-black elytra. Its hemolymph contains pederin, a potent blistering toxin.

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Did You Know?

Crushing this beetle on skin causes painful blistering dermatitis known as Paederus dermatitis.

Silky Lacewing

A beautiful Australian lacewing with large, rounded wings covered in intricate patterns resembling tree bark. It rests with wings flat against surfaces for camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Silky lacewings belong to an ancient family with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, over 160 million years ago.