Wasp Nest Beetle vs Reddish-Brown Stag Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wasp Nest Beetle Reddish-Brown Stag Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Metoecus paradoxus Platydracus cinnamopterus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Ripiphoridae Staphylinidae
Size 8-12mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Parasitoids Detritivores
Regions Europe Eastern North America
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.

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Did You Know?

One of the most unusual beetles in Europe, spending its entire larval development inside live wasp nests.

Reddish-Brown Stag Rove Beetle

A robust rove beetle with cinnamon-brown elytra and a black head. It is commonly found under bark and in forest leaf litter.

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Did You Know?

Males have enlarged mandibles used in combat with rivals over territory and mates.