Sand-Loving Hister Beetle vs Silky Chlaenius

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand-Loving Hister Beetle Silky Chlaenius
Scientific Name Hypocaccus rugifrons Chlaenius vestitus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Histeridae Carabidae
Size 2-4 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Mediterranean coasts Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sand-Loving Hister Beetle

A small, reddish-brown hister beetle found in sandy coastal habitats. It hunts fly larvae in seaweed wrack and stranded carrion.

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Did You Know?

It buries itself in sand beneath rotting kelp during the day and emerges at night to hunt fly larvae in the wrack.

Silky Chlaenius

A medium-sized ground beetle covered in fine silky pubescence giving it a velvety green appearance. It is commonly found near water and emits a strong defensive odor when handled.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it releases a pungent, leathery-smelling chemical from defensive glands that is so strong it can be detected from several feet away.