Mustard Beetle vs Large Tropical Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mustard Beetle Large Tropical Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Phaedon cochleariae Hesperus rufipennis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Chrysomelidae Staphylinidae
Size 3-4 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Herbivores Predators
Regions Europe West Africa, Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mustard Beetle

A small metallic blue-black beetle that feeds on watercress, mustard and other crucifers. Both adults and larvae damage crops. Common in damp habitats near streams.

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Did You Know?

Commercial watercress growers regard this tiny beetle as one of their most persistent pest problems.

Large Tropical Rove Beetle

A large, impressive tropical rove beetle with red elytra and a black head and pronotum. It is one of the larger staphylinids in the African tropical forest fauna.

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Did You Know?

This beetle can deliver a painful bite with its powerful mandibles if handled carelessly, one of the few rove beetles capable of breaking human skin.