Southern Rove Beetle vs Sunflower Maggot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Southern Rove Beetle | Sunflower Maggot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philonthus spinipes | Strauzia longipennis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Tephritidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Leaf Miners |
| Regions | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa | North America |
| 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.
Sunflower Maggot Fly
A picture-winged fruit fly whose larvae mine the stems of sunflowers. Adults have attractive amber-patterned wings.
Did You Know?
Despite being common, it rarely causes economic damage to commercial sunflower crops.