Sexton Rove Beetle vs Western Snakefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sexton Rove Beetle Western Snakefly
Scientific Name Quedius dilatatus Agulla adnixa
Order Coleoptera Raphidioptera
Family Staphylinidae Raphidiidae
Size 8-12 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Scavengers Predators
Regions Europe Western North America
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.

Western Snakefly

A North American snakefly found in western forests and woodlands. Larvae develop under bark of conifers where they hunt bark beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Western snakeflies require a cold winter period to complete development, which is why they are absent from tropical regions.