Big-headed Tiger Beetle vs Toad Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Big-headed Tiger Beetle | Toad Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megacephala virginica | Gelastocoris oculatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Gelastocoridae |
| Size | 18-24 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | North 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.
Toad Bug
A warty bug that closely resembles a tiny toad and hops along stream banks.
Did You Know?
It leaps onto prey like a toad, using powerful hind legs to pounce.