Cederberg Heelwalker vs Common Sun Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cederberg Heelwalker | Common Sun Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrophasma cederbergense | Elaphrus cupreus |
| Order | Mantophasmatodea | Coleoptera |
| Family | Austrophasmatidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Africa, South Africa | Europe, northern Asia |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Cederberg Heelwalker
A predatory heelwalker found in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa. It is greenish-brown and well-camouflaged among fynbos shrubs.
Did You Know?
Females eat the male after mating, similar to praying mantises, despite being in an entirely different order.
Common Sun Beetle
A small, brilliantly metallic copper-green beetle with distinctive eye-like pits on its elytra. It runs rapidly on wet mud and is a visual hunter of springtails.
Did You Know?
The peculiar mirror-like pits on its elytra are thought to function as light-reflecting structures that may confuse predators or aid in thermoregulation.