Shore Rove Beetle vs Broad-Toothed Scarab

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shore Rove Beetle Broad-Toothed Scarab
Scientific Name Philonthus quisquiliarius Scarabaeus laticollis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Scarabaeidae
Size 5-7 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Wetlands Heathland
Diet Detritivores Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Southern Europe, North Africa
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Broad-Toothed Scarab

A medium-sized, glossy black roller dung beetle with a broad pronotum and strong clypeal teeth. Common across Mediterranean regions, it rolls balls from sheep and goat dung. Most active in afternoon heat.

💡

Did You Know?

In ancient Greece, this species was likely confused with the sacred scarab and may have inspired some mythological accounts.