Wasp Nest Beetle vs Creek Pacer Ground Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wasp Nest Beetle | Creek Pacer Ground Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Metoecus paradoxus | Chlaenius tricolor |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Ripiphoridae | Carabidae |
| Size | 8-12mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America, from Canada to the southern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Wasp Nest Beetle
A bizarre wedge-shaped beetle that develops as a parasitoid inside social wasp nests. Males have feathery antennae.
Did You Know?
One of the most unusual beetles in Europe, spending its entire larval development inside live wasp nests.
Creek Pacer Ground Beetle
A handsome ground beetle with bright metallic green elytra, a bluish pronotum, and reddish-brown legs. It is commonly found near streams and rivers across North America.
Did You Know?
Like other Chlaenius species, it produces a strong, distinctive odor from defensive glands that some collectors describe as smelling like leather or wet dog.