Robust Brown Rove Beetle vs American Hoverfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Robust Brown Rove Beetle American Hoverfly
Scientific Name Ocypus brunnipes Eupeodes americanus
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Staphylinidae Syrphidae
Size 14-20 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Robust Brown Rove Beetle

A large, dark rove beetle with characteristic brown legs, found commonly in grasslands and meadows. It is a powerful nocturnal predator that shelters under stones by day.

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Did You Know?

Like its relative the devil's coach horse, this beetle emits a foul smell from its white-tipped abdominal glands when threatened.

American Hoverfly

A widespread North American hoverfly with yellow and black markings. Larvae are voracious aphid predators in crop fields.

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Did You Know?

A single larva can consume several hundred aphids before pupating.