Rain Beetle Hunter vs Wrinkled Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rain Beetle Hunter | Wrinkled Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Calosoma cancellatum | Oxytelus rugosus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Predators | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | North America, from Canada to Mexico | Europe, Asia, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rain Beetle Hunter
A medium to large caterpillar hunter with dark elytra marked by rows of rectangular pits giving a grid-like appearance. It is one of the most common Calosoma species across North American prairies.
Did You Know?
It emerges in massive numbers after rain events on the Great Plains, earning the nickname rain beetle, and can be found running across roads in huge aggregations.
Wrinkled Rove Beetle
A small, flattened rove beetle with a heavily sculptured pronotum bearing deep longitudinal furrows. It is one of the most common dung-inhabiting staphylinids across the Palearctic region.
Did You Know?
This beetle is among the first colonizers of fresh dung pats, arriving within minutes of deposition to prey on fly eggs.