Termitophilous Rove Beetle vs Indian Rose Chafer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Termitophilous Rove Beetle Indian Rose Chafer
Scientific Name Corotoca melantho Oxycetonia versicolor
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Scarabaeidae
Size 5-8 mm (body length without physogastric abdomen) 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Brazil, tropical South America South Asia (India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Termitophilous Rove Beetle

A bizarre, physogastric rove beetle that lives inside termite nests in Brazil. The female's abdomen becomes enormously swollen and translucent, resembling a termite queen in miniature.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the only beetles known to give live birth (viviparity); fully formed larvae emerge from the female rather than eggs.

Indian Rose Chafer

A compact, shiny beetle with variable coloring ranging from metallic green to dark bronze. Adults are frequently found nestled inside flowers, feeding on pollen and petals, and are common garden visitors.

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Did You Know?

These beetles can fly with their elytra closed by extending their hindwings through special openings at the sides, unlike most beetles.