Short-winged Mold Beetle vs Spring Alpine Stonefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Short-winged Mold Beetle | Spring Alpine Stonefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pselaphus heisei | Rhabdiopteryx alpina |
| Order | Coleoptera | Plecoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Taeniopterygidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 8-12 mm body length |
| Habitat | Underground | Mountains |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe | Alps, Central Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Short-winged Mold Beetle
A tiny rove beetle with clubbed antennae that feeds on mites in leaf litter and soil. Its short wing cases and ant-like body make it distinctive.
Did You Know?
It possesses specialized antennal clubs covered in sensory pits used for detecting prey in total darkness.
Spring Alpine Stonefly
An early-emerging stonefly that appears in spring along cold mountain streams. Adults can often be seen resting on streamside rocks.
Did You Know?
It is one of the first insects to emerge after snowmelt in alpine streams.