Turkey Gnat vs Large Gold Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turkey Gnat Large Gold Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Simulium meridionale Staphylinus caesareus
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Simuliidae Staphylinidae
Size 2-4 mm 17-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Blood Feeders Predators
Regions North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Turkey Gnat

A black fly notorious for swarming livestock in the southern United States. Larvae attach to rocks in swift streams using silken pads and posterior hooks.

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Did You Know?

Massive swarms historically caused turkey and livestock deaths in the Mississippi Valley through blood loss and allergic reactions.

Large Gold Rove Beetle

A large and handsome rove beetle with golden pubescence on its thorax and bright orange abdominal bands. It is an aggressive predator of carrion-feeding insects.

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Did You Know?

Its species name caesareus means imperial, referring to its regal golden markings.