Amazonian Water Scorpion vs Long-Palped Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Amazonian Water Scorpion | Long-Palped Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ranatra spp. | Dicranota bimaculata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nepidae | Pediciidae |
| Size | 30-50 mm including siphon | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Throughout South America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Amazonian Water Scorpion
A stick-like aquatic bug with an extremely elongated body and long breathing siphon at the rear. It hangs motionless near the surface, ambushing passing prey.
Did You Know?
Despite the common name, it is not a scorpion at all and is completely harmless to humans though it can deliver a mild prick.
Long-Palped Crane Fly
A short-bodied crane fly whose predatory larvae inhabit gravel beds of clean streams. Larvae are active hunters among cobble interstices.
Did You Know?
Unlike most crane fly larvae, this species is an active predator rather than a detritivore.