Red and Black Rove Beetle vs Western Corn Rootworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red and Black Rove Beetle Western Corn Rootworm
Scientific Name Paederus riparius Diabrotica virgifera
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Chrysomelidae
Size 7-10 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Farmland
Diet Omnivores Root Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa North America, Europe
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Western Corn Rootworm

One of the most economically damaging corn pests in North America. Larvae feed on corn roots, causing plants to lodge and reducing yields.

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Did You Know?

This beetle costs U.S. farmers over one billion dollars annually in crop losses and control expenses.