Bluebottle Fly vs Shaggy Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bluebottle Fly Shaggy Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Calliphora vicina Emus hirtus
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Calliphoridae Staphylinidae
Size 10-12 mm 18-28 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bluebottle Fly

A common metallic blue blowfly found in urban areas worldwide. Breeds in dead pigeons, rodents and meat. An important species in forensic entomology for estimating time of death.

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Did You Know?

One of the most important forensic indicator species, helping police estimate time of death from larval development stage.

Shaggy Rove Beetle

A spectacular, large rove beetle covered in dense black and yellow fur-like pubescence, resembling a bumblebee. It is associated with dung and is one of Europe's most visually striking beetles.

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Did You Know?

This beetle's bumblebee-like appearance is thought to be a form of Batesian mimicry, deterring predators that have learned to avoid stinging bumblebees.