Svalbard Rove Beetle vs Cottonwood Borer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Svalbard Rove Beetle | Cottonwood Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atheta islandica | Plectrodera scalator |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Cerambycidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 25-40 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Iceland, Svalbard, northern Scandinavia, Greenland | Central and eastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Svalbard Rove Beetle
A tiny, dark brown rove beetle found in some of the most northerly terrestrial habitats on Earth. It shelters in bird nests and guano deposits where the microclimate is warmer. Adults are active predators of mites.
Did You Know?
This beetle survives in the High Arctic partly by living in seabird colonies where decomposing guano generates warmth.
Cottonwood Borer
A large longhorn beetle with bold black and white patterning and long antennae. Its larvae bore into the roots and lower trunks of cottonwood and willow trees.
Did You Know?
When handled, it produces a loud squeaking sound by rubbing parts of its thorax together.