Splendid Rove Beetle vs Lovebug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Splendid Rove Beetle | Lovebug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Philonthus splendens | Plecia nearctica |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Bibionidae |
| Size | 11-14 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Splendid Rove Beetle
A large, shiny black rove beetle associated with mammal dung. Found across European pasturelands. An effective predator of dung fly larvae.
Did You Know?
One of the largest European Philonthus species, making it a dominant predator within dung communities.
Lovebug
A small black march fly famous for flying in mated pairs connected end to end for days. Massive swarms occur twice yearly in the southeastern United States, causing significant nuisance.
Did You Know?
Their acidic body chemistry can damage car paint if not washed off quickly, costing motorists millions annually.