Cape Stag Beetle vs Winter Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cape Stag Beetle | Winter Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colophon westwoodi | Trichocera annulata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Lucanidae | Trichoceridae |
| Size | 25-40 mm | 5-10 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Woodlands |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | South Africa (Western Cape mountains only) | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Cape Stag Beetle
A rare flightless stag beetle found only on high mountain peaks of the Western Cape. Males have short but robust mandibles.
Did You Know?
All Colophon species are protected by South African law and CITES due to their extreme rarity and restricted ranges.
Winter Crane Fly
A cold-adapted crane fly that forms mating swarms in winter even in freezing weather.
Did You Know?
It can be seen dancing in aerial swarms on sunny winter days near buildings.