Shore Rove Beetle vs Giant Black Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shore Rove Beetle Giant Black Water Beetle
Scientific Name Philonthus quisquiliarius Hydrophilus triangularis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Hydrophilidae
Size 5-7 mm 34-40 mm
Habitat Wetlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Shore Rove Beetle

A small metallic greenish rove beetle found along pond and river margins in marshy habitats. Hunts small invertebrates in wet leaf litter and debris.

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Did You Know?

The metallic green sheen is unusual among European Philonthus species, most of which are plain black.

Giant Black Water Beetle

The largest water beetle in North America, with a shiny black oval body. Larvae are voracious predators while adults are mainly plant feeders.

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Did You Know?

It carries a bubble of air beneath its body like a silvery film, which it replenishes at the surface.