Abedus Giant Water Bug vs Common Bluetail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Abedus Giant Water Bug | Common Bluetail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Abedus herberti | Ischnura elegans |
| Order | Hemiptera | Odonata |
| Family | Belostomatidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 25-35 mm | 27-35 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, northern Mexico | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Abedus Giant Water Bug
A medium-sized, broad-bodied giant water bug found in streams and springs of the American Southwest. Males are well known for their egg-brooding behavior, carrying eggs on their backs. It is adapted to flowing water habitats.
Did You Know?
It has been a model organism for studying sexual selection because females compete aggressively for males, who are a limited resource due to their extended parental care duties.
Common Bluetail
A small damselfly with a distinctive blue tail-light on segment eight of the abdomen. Females occur in multiple color forms including violet, green, and brown.
Did You Know?
Females exist in at least five distinct color forms, a level of polymorphism rare among damselflies.