Southern Rove Beetle vs Eyed Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Rove Beetle | Eyed Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philonthus spinipes | Smerinthus ocellatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 70-95 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Southern Rove Beetle
A shiny, black rove beetle with distinctive spiny hind tibiae. It is a fast-running predator commonly found under stones and debris in drier, warmer habitats of southern Europe.
Did You Know?
The spiny tibiae that give this species its name are used as weapons in combat with rival males over territory and mates.
Eyed Hawk-moth
A large hawk-moth with cryptic brown forewings that conceal vivid blue and black eyespots on the hindwings. When startled, it flashes its eyespots to frighten predators.
Did You Know?
The flash of its eyespots has been shown experimentally to startle birds into abandoning their attack.