African Bat Bug vs Helicopter Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Bat Bug Helicopter Damselfly
Scientific Name Afrocimex constrictus Megaloprepus caerulatus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cimicidae Pseudostigmatidae
Size 3-5 mm 100 mm body, 190 mm wingspan
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Parasites Predators
Regions East Africa Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

African Bat Bug

A cimicid ectoparasite found on bats in East African caves. It is notable for its unusual mating system involving traumatic insemination.

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Did You Know?

Both males and females possess a defensive organ to mitigate injury from traumatic insemination.

Helicopter Damselfly

The largest damselfly in the world with a wingspan approaching 19 centimeters.

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Did You Know?

It breeds exclusively in water-filled tree holes high in the forest canopy.