Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle vs Excavated Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle | Excavated Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carcinops pumilio | Omalium excavatum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Histeridae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Worldwide (cosmopolitan) | Europe, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle
A tiny, shiny black hister beetle commonly found in poultry houses where it preys on house fly larvae. It is an important biological control agent in livestock facilities.
Did You Know?
A single beetle can consume up to 24 house fly eggs per day, making it one of the best natural fly controls in hen houses.
Excavated Rove Beetle
A small, brownish omaline rove beetle with distinctive excavations on the pronotum. It frequents decaying vegetation and is particularly associated with compost heaps and grass clippings.
Did You Know?
This species thrives in the heat-generating centers of compost heaps, tolerating temperatures that would be lethal to many other insects.