Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle vs Juniper Hairstreak

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle Juniper Hairstreak
Scientific Name Paederus amazonicus Callophrys gryneus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Staphylinidae Lycaenidae
Size 7-9 mm 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Amazon Basin, tropical South America Eastern and central United States wherever red cedar grows
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Whip-scorpion Rove Beetle

A brightly colored Amazonian rove beetle with orange and metallic blue markings typical of the Paederus genus. It thrives in tropical riverine habitats where it hunts small arthropods in vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Amazonian indigenous peoples have long known to avoid crushing this beetle on skin, having independently discovered the dermatitis-causing properties of pederin.

Juniper Hairstreak

A small green hairstreak butterfly with intricate white line patterns on its hindwing underside. Its bright green underside provides camouflage among cedar foliage.

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Did You Know?

Its caterpillar perfectly matches the green of cedar foliage and is nearly impossible to spot among the needles.