Red Mushroom Beetle vs Purple Dun

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Mushroom Beetle Purple Dun
Scientific Name Oxyporus rufus Paraleptophlebia adoptiva
Order Coleoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Staphylinidae Leptophlebiidae
Size 7-12 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Red Mushroom Beetle

A striking red and black rove beetle that lives in and feeds on fresh mushroom caps. Has large, powerful mandibles for cutting fungal tissue. One of the few herbivorous rove beetles.

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Did You Know?

Unusual among rove beetles for being a herbivore, with powerful mandibles adapted for cutting through fungal tissue.

Purple Dun

A small dark mayfly with purplish-gray wings found in eastern streams. Nymphs crawl among submerged leaf packs in moderate current.

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Did You Know?

Females drop their egg masses onto the water surface from a height of several feet while in flight.