Stinking Rove Beetle vs Brimstone Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Stinking Rove Beetle Brimstone Moth
Scientific Name Ocypus nero Opisthograptis luteolata
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Staphylinidae Geometridae
Size 16-25 mm 33-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern Europe, Mediterranean Europe, western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Stinking Rove Beetle

A jet-black rove beetle with finely punctured elytra and a broad head. It emits a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odour is produced by abdominal glands and is potent enough to deter birds and small mammals.

Brimstone Moth

A bright yellow moth with chestnut-brown blotches along the leading edge of each wing. It is a common and cheerful visitor to lighted windows in summer.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing a name with the brimstone butterfly, the two species are not closely related at all.