Red-bellied Rove Beetle vs Silky Chlaenius
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-bellied Rove Beetle | Silky Chlaenius |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tasgius melanarius | Chlaenius vestitus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 15-20 mm | 12-16 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America and Australia | Eastern North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red-bellied Rove Beetle
A large, shiny black rove beetle with a reddish-brown abdominal tip, found in synanthropic habitats across Europe. It is commonly encountered in gardens and urban areas where it hunts at night.
Did You Know?
This beetle is one of the most synanthropic rove beetles, frequently entering houses and cellars where it is often mistaken for an earwig.
Silky Chlaenius
A medium-sized ground beetle covered in fine silky pubescence giving it a velvety green appearance. It is commonly found near water and emits a strong defensive odor when handled.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it releases a pungent, leathery-smelling chemical from defensive glands that is so strong it can be detected from several feet away.