Shiny Lined Rove Beetle vs Green Lestes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Shiny Lined Rove Beetle | Green Lestes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xantholinus longiventris | Lestes viridis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Lestidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 39-48 mm body length |
| Habitat | Underground | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia, introduced to North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Shiny Lined Rove Beetle
A distinctively elongate rove beetle with a shiny black head and pronotum, and reddish-brown elytra. It hunts in narrow spaces and is commonly found in synanthropic habitats.
Did You Know?
The disproportionately large mandibles of this beetle, relative to its narrow head, allow it to subdue prey in tight spaces where it has a significant advantage.
Green Lestes
A metallic green damselfly that lays eggs into the bark of overhanging trees. Creates distinctive oviposition scars on willow branches. One of the latest damselflies to fly.
Did You Know?
Uniquely among damselflies, it lays its eggs into tree bark above water rather than into aquatic plants.