Stinking Rove Beetle vs Caribbean Calligrapha Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Stinking Rove Beetle Caribbean Calligrapha Beetle
Scientific Name Ocypus nero Calligrapha cubana
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Chrysomelidae
Size 16-25 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Southern Europe, Mediterranean Cuba
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Caribbean Calligrapha Beetle

A leaf beetle found in Cuba with intricate dark patterns on a pale background. Each individual has a unique pattern on its elytra.

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Did You Know?

The patterns on their wing covers look like calligraphy, giving the genus its name.