Alpine Assassin Bug vs Common Whitetail

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Alpine Assassin Bug Common Whitetail
Scientific Name Coranus subapterus Plathemis lydia
Order Hemiptera Odonata
Family Reduviidae Libellulidae
Size 9-12 mm body length 60-68 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Alps, Mediterranean mountains North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Alpine Assassin Bug

A predatory bug of dry alpine and montane grasslands. It ambushes prey with its powerful raptorial forelegs.

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Did You Know?

It has short wings and rarely flies, relying on stealth to catch prey on the ground.

Common Whitetail

A stocky dragonfly where mature males sport a chalky white abdomen and dark wing bands. It is one of the most frequently observed dragonflies in North America.

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Did You Know?

Male common whitetails are extremely aggressive and will attack and chase away dragonflies much larger than themselves from their territories.