Banded General Soldier Fly vs Predaceous Diving Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Banded General Soldier Fly | Predaceous Diving Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stratiomys potamida | Cybister lateralimarginalis |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Stratiomyidae | Dytiscidae |
| Size | 12-16 mm | 30-37 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Southern Europe, Africa, Middle East |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Banded General Soldier Fly
A large, boldly marked soldier fly with a broad flat abdomen bearing yellow lateral markings. Its aquatic larvae are elongate and can breathe through a posterior spiracle at the water surface.
Did You Know?
Larvae can survive in heavily polluted water where most other aquatic insects cannot live.
Predaceous Diving Beetle
A large olive-green diving beetle found across southern Europe and Africa. It is a powerful swimmer that hunts a range of aquatic animals.
Did You Know?
In some parts of Asia and Africa, large Cybister species are collected and eaten as a traditional food source.