Big-headed Tiger Beetle vs Helicopter Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Big-headed Tiger Beetle | Helicopter Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megacephala virginica | Mecistogaster linearis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Carabidae | Pseudostigmatidae |
| Size | 18-24 mm | 80 mm body, 100 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Big-headed Tiger Beetle
A nocturnal tiger beetle with a disproportionately large head and long curved mandibles. It is dark brown to black and hunts on sandy riverbanks after dark.
Did You Know?
Unlike most tiger beetles that hunt by day, this species is strictly nocturnal and is attracted to artificial lights near sandy habitats.
Helicopter Dragonfly
A forest giant damselfly that plucks spiders from their webs while hovering.
Did You Know?
Females oviposit into water-filled bromeliads and tree holes in the canopy.