Black-winged Damselfly vs Large Whirligig Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black-winged Damselfly Large Whirligig Beetle
Scientific Name Calopteryx atrata Dineutus americanus
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Calopterygidae Gyrinidae
Size 55-68mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black-winged Damselfly

A large damselfly where males have entirely black iridescent wings with a metallic blue-green body. Females have dark smoky-brown wings. It inhabits clean streams in East Asia.

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Did You Know?

In Japan it is called 'haguro-tonbo' (black-winged dragonfly) and is considered a symbol of good fortune.

Large Whirligig Beetle

The largest North American whirligig beetle, found on the surface of streams and rivers. It produces defensive chemicals that smell like apples when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

When alarmed, large groups scatter in erratic spirals, creating a confusing display that deters predators.