Arctic Water Bug vs European Firebug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Water Bug | European Firebug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arctocorisa carinata | Pyrrhocoris apterus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Corixidae | Pyrrhocoridae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 9-13 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Underground |
| Diet | Detritivores | Predators |
| Regions | Arctic Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada | Europe, Central Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Arctic Water Bug
A small aquatic bug with a flattened body and oar-like hind legs for swimming. The back has fine transverse lines. It inhabits cold tundra ponds and lakes, swimming actively even in near-freezing water.
Did You Know?
Males produce sound by rubbing their front legs against their head to attract females, making them among the loudest animals relative to body size.
European Firebug
A strikingly patterned red and black bug that forms large aggregations at the base of linden trees. It is one of the most recognizable insects in Europe. The bold aposematic coloration warns predators of its unpleasant taste.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first insects in which scientists discovered that the gut microbiome is essential, as germ-free individuals show stunted growth and high mortality.