Amazonian Water Scorpion vs Steelblue Ladybird
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Amazonian Water Scorpion | Steelblue Ladybird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ranatra spp. | Halmus chalybeus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nepidae | Coccinellidae |
| Size | 30-50 mm including siphon | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Orchards |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Throughout South America | Australia, New Zealand |
| 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.
Steelblue Ladybird
A small metallic blue-green ladybird native to Australia. It is an important predator of scale insects on citrus and eucalyptus trees.
Did You Know?
Its iridescent blue coloration is unique among ladybirds and is caused by multilayer cuticle structures.