Cylindrical Tachinid vs Spring Dor Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid Spring Dor Beetle
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Geotrupes vernalis
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Tachinidae Scarabaeidae
Size 8-12 mm 12-20 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Parasites Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cylindrical Tachinid

A slender, wasp-like parasitic fly with a narrow cylindrical abdomen. Parasitizes shieldbugs by laying eggs directly onto the host. Found in warm, flower-rich habitats.

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Did You Know?

Its wasp-like appearance is a remarkable case of mimicry in a group of true flies.

Spring Dor Beetle

A medium-sized, metallic blue-green to violet dung beetle active in spring. Unlike other dor beetles, the metallic coloration is visible dorsally. It digs deep burrows provisioned with dung for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, this beetle is actually most active in autumn in many parts of its range.