Agabus Arctic Diving Beetle vs Dobsonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Agabus Arctic Diving Beetle | Dobsonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agabus arcticus | Corydalus cornutus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Dytiscidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 8-10 mm | 40-55 mm body, 125 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Scandinavia, Northern Russia, Northern Canada, Alaska | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Agabus Arctic Diving Beetle
A cold-adapted diving beetle found in northern and alpine regions across the Holarctic. It thrives in frigid mountain streams and arctic tundra pools.
Did You Know?
It can remain active in near-freezing water temperatures that would immobilize most other aquatic insects.
Dobsonfly
Large insects with intimidating mandibles in males that are actually too large to bite effectively. Aquatic hellgrammite larvae are prized as fishing bait and indicate clean water.
Did You Know?
Male dobsonflies have terrifying mandibles up to 40 mm long, but they are so large the males cannot actually generate enough force to pinch — the females bite harder.