Reticulated Beetle vs Riffle Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Reticulated Beetle Riffle Beetle
Scientific Name Tenomerga cinerea Elmis aenea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cupedidae Elmidae
Size 10-14 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Wood Feeders Detritivores
Regions North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Reticulated Beetle

A living fossil from one of the most ancient beetle families still extant.

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Did You Know?

Its family dates back to the Triassic period over 230 million years ago.

Riffle Beetle

A tiny, dark beetle that spends its entire adult life underwater clinging to rocks in riffles. It breathes using a plastron, a permanent thin film of air.

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Did You Know?

Its plastron air film never needs replenishing, allowing it to remain permanently submerged.