Sculpted Rove Beetle vs Common Compost Hoverfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sculpted Rove Beetle | Common Compost Hoverfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anotylus sculpturatus | Syritta pipiens |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Syrphidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Gardens |
| Diet | Detritivores | Scavengers |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia, introduced globally | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sculpted Rove Beetle
A small, stout oxytelline rove beetle with deeply sculptured integument and a distinctively broad, flat body. It is a very common species in agricultural and garden compost across Europe.
Did You Know?
Enormous swarms of this beetle sometimes emerge from compost heaps and can be seen flying in dense clouds at dusk.
Common Compost Hoverfly
A tiny, slender hoverfly with distinctively swollen hind femora and a darting flight pattern. It breeds in compost heaps and decaying organic matter.
Did You Know?
Males hover in sunbeams and dart sideways to intercept passing females with lightning-fast aerial maneuvers.