Turanian Snakefly vs Stinking Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turanian Snakefly Stinking Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Turcoraphidia amara Ocypus nero
Order Raphidioptera Coleoptera
Family Raphidiidae Staphylinidae
Size 10-14 mm 16-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Central Asia, Turkey, Iran Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Turanian Snakefly

A snakefly native to Central Asia and the Middle East, inhabiting arid mountainous woodlands. It is one of the few raphidiopterans adapted to semi-arid environments.

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Did You Know?

Turanian snakeflies thrive in some of the driest habitats occupied by any raphidiopteran species.

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.