Variable Rove Beetle vs Salt Creek Tiger Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Variable Rove Beetle | Salt Creek Tiger Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philonthus varians | Cicindela nevadica lincolniana |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Lancaster County, Nebraska, United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Variable Rove Beetle
A small but abundant rove beetle highly variable in elytral coloration, ranging from entirely black to reddish-brown. It is one of Europe's most common staphylinids in agricultural settings.
Did You Know?
Population studies have shown densities of over 100 individuals per square meter in well-managed agricultural fields.
Salt Creek Tiger Beetle
One of the rarest insects in the world, this small tiger beetle has dark olive-brown elytra with faint white markings. It is found only on saline mud flats along Salt Creek in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Did You Know?
With fewer than 500 adults estimated in the wild, it is considered one of the rarest insects on Earth, threatened by urban development around Lincoln, Nebraska.