Click Beetle vs Brilliant Emerald
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Click Beetle | Brilliant Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Alaus oculatus | Somatochlora metallica |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Elateridae | Corduliidae |
| Size | 25-45 mm | 50-55mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Click Beetle
Has a special mechanism that allows it to snap its body with a click, launching itself up to 30 cm into the air. The large eyespots on its thorax startle predators.
Did You Know?
Click beetles launch themselves into the air without using their legs — they use a peg-and-groove mechanism on their thorax that releases like a spring, reaching accelerations of 400g.
Brilliant Emerald
A metallic green dragonfly with brilliant emerald green eyes. Males patrol low over sheltered lakes and woodland pools. Its thorax is covered with fine golden-green hairs.
Did You Know?
Its entire body shimmers with metallic green iridescence, making it one of Europe's most beautiful dragonflies.