Swift Rove Beetle vs Nettle Root Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Swift Rove Beetle | Nettle Root Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tachyporus hypnorum | Phyllobius virideaeris |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Asia, introduced to North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Swift Rove Beetle
A small, streamlined rove beetle of the subfamily Tachyporinae with a tapered posterior and bicolored body. It is extremely abundant in agricultural fields and an important predator of cereal aphids.
Did You Know?
Despite their tiny size, Tachyporus beetles can consume more aphids per day than many larger predatory beetles, making them key biocontrol agents.
Nettle Root Weevil
A bright green-scaled weevil found on nettles and other vegetation in spring. Extremely common but the scales wear off with age revealing black cuticle. Adults chew leaf edges.
Did You Know?
Fresh specimens are brilliant metallic green, but old worn individuals look like completely different black beetles.