Shore Rove Beetle vs Winter Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shore Rove Beetle Winter Crane Fly
Scientific Name Philonthus quisquiliarius Trichocera annulata
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Staphylinidae Trichoceridae
Size 5-7 mm 5-10 mm
Habitat Wetlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe 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.

Winter Crane Fly

A cold-adapted crane fly that forms mating swarms in winter even in freezing weather.

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Did You Know?

It can be seen dancing in aerial swarms on sunny winter days near buildings.