Sexton Rove Beetle vs European Trechus Cave Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sexton Rove Beetle European Trechus Cave Beetle
Scientific Name Quedius dilatatus Trechus quadristriatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Carabidae
Size 8-12 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Woodlands Caves
Diet Scavengers Predators
Regions Europe Europe, North Africa, widely introduced globally
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sexton Rove Beetle

A broad, somewhat flattened rove beetle found in the nests of social wasps and in tree hollows containing decaying insect remains. Its expanded body shape is adapted for life in cavity habitats.

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Did You Know?

This beetle waits for wasp colonies to die in autumn, then enters the abandoned nest to feast on the remaining dead wasps and their brood.

European Trechus Cave Beetle

A small, pale brown ground beetle with four prominent striae on each elytron. Despite belonging to a subfamily with many cave species, this species is a common surface dweller in Europe.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most widespread ground beetles on Earth, having been accidentally introduced to every continent except Antarctica through human trade and agriculture.