Cape Spoonwing vs Banded Oogaster Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cape Spoonwing Banded Oogaster Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Palmipenna aeoleoptera Anthia sexguttata
Order Neuroptera Coleoptera
Family Nemopteridae Carabidae
Size 30-40 mm wingspan (forewings) 30-45 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions South Africa Indian Subcontinent
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cape Spoonwing

A South African nemopterid with broad, paddle-shaped hindwings. One of the most spectacular insects in the Western Cape fynbos.

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Did You Know?

Its broad paddle hindwings are wider than those of any other nemopterid, making it instantly recognizable.

Banded Oogaster Ground Beetle

A large Indian ground beetle with six prominent white spots on its black elytra. It is a fast-running nocturnal predator of open ground.

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Did You Know?

It produces a powerful defensive spray with a strong vinegar-like smell from abdominal glands.