Shore Rove Beetle vs Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shore Rove Beetle Aquatic Snail-killing Fly
Scientific Name Philonthus quisquiliarius Sepedon sphegea
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Staphylinidae Sciomyzidae
Size 5-7 mm 5-9 mm
Habitat Wetlands Wetlands
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Shore Rove Beetle

A small metallic greenish rove beetle found along pond and river margins in marshy habitats. Hunts small invertebrates in wet leaf litter and debris.

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Did You Know?

The metallic green sheen is unusual among European Philonthus species, most of which are plain black.

Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

A slender marsh fly with a distinctly pointed abdomen and yellowish-brown coloring. Larvae are aquatic predators of freshwater snails, attacking them underwater.

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Did You Know?

A single larva may consume multiple snails during its development, making it an effective natural snail control agent.