Southern Rove Beetle vs Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Rove Beetle | Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philonthus spinipes | Velleius dilatatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 15-24 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa | Europe |
| 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.
Hairy Sexton Rove Beetle
A large, broad rove beetle with flattened expanded elytra, uniquely associated with European hornet nests. It is one of the few rove beetles that lives as an inquiline in social wasp colonies.
Did You Know?
This beetle has evolved tolerance to hornet stings and can live unharmed in active hornet nests that would be lethal to most other insects.