Meadow Quedius vs Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Meadow Quedius Fluted Cape Stag Beetle
Scientific Name Quedius curtipennis Colophon primosi
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Lucanidae
Size 7-10 mm 18-28 mm
Habitat Grasslands Mountains
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Meadow Quedius

A common rove beetle of grasslands and meadows with shortened wing cases exposing the flexible abdomen. Found in grass tussocks and at the base of vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Despite having short wing cases, it can still fly by unfolding long membranous hindwings stored beneath them.

Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

A small, flightless, dark brown stag beetle restricted to a single mountain in the Cape region of South Africa. Males have short, broad mandibles with a single inner tooth. It is threatened by illegal collecting and climate change.

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Did You Know?

Illegal collecting of Colophon species for the lucrative insect trade has led to CITES protection for the entire genus.