Round-necked Longhorn vs Stinking Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Round-necked Longhorn Stinking Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Neoclytus acuminatus Ocypus nero
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Staphylinidae
Size 8-18 mm 16-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America; invasive in Europe Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Round-necked Longhorn

A reddish-brown cerambycid with narrow yellowish crossbands on the elytra, native to eastern North America but now invasive in parts of Europe. It breeds in freshly dead hardwood and is frequently found in stored firewood.

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Did You Know?

This beetle has spread to Europe through the timber trade and is now established in parts of Italy and the Balkans.

Stinking Rove Beetle

A jet-black rove beetle with finely punctured elytra and a broad head. It emits a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odour is produced by abdominal glands and is potent enough to deter birds and small mammals.