Small Hive Beetle vs Oil Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Small Hive Beetle | Oil Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aethina tumida | Meloe proscarabaeus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 15-35 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa, North America, Australia, Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Near Threatened |
Small Hive Beetle
A small dark beetle native to sub-Saharan Africa that is a serious pest of honeybee colonies. It has spread to North America, Australia, and parts of Europe.
Did You Know?
Larvae can destroy an entire honeybee colony by consuming all the stored honey and pollen.
Oil Beetle
A large, flightless beetle with shortened elytra and a swollen abdomen. It secretes an oily, blistering compound called cantharidin when threatened.
Did You Know?
Females can lay over 1,000 eggs, but larvae must hitch a ride on a solitary bee to survive.