Broad-shouldered Diving Beetle vs Twin-spotted Spiketail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Broad-shouldered Diving Beetle | Twin-spotted Spiketail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dytiscus latissimus | Cordulegaster maculata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Dytiscidae | Cordulegastridae |
| Size | 36-44 mm | 68-78 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Northern Europe, Scandinavia | North America |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Broad-shouldered Diving Beetle
The largest European diving beetle and one of the largest aquatic beetles in the world. It inhabits clean, fish-poor lakes and is increasingly rare.
Did You Know?
It is protected under the EU Habitats Directive and is one of the most endangered beetles in Europe.
Twin-spotted Spiketail
A large, dark brown spiketail with paired yellow spots on each abdominal segment. It is the most common spiketail in eastern North America.
Did You Know?
Its larvae lie partially buried in stream-bottom leaf litter and ambush passing prey.