Common Bembidion vs Variable Damselfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Bembidion | Variable Damselfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bembidion lampros | Coenagrion pulchellum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Carabidae | Coenagrionidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 33-35mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, northern Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Common Bembidion
A tiny, metallic bronze ground beetle that is one of the most abundant carabids in European farmland. Despite its small size, it is a voracious predator of aphids and springtails.
Did You Know?
Studies have shown that populations of this tiny beetle can consume more aphids per hectare than all larger ground beetle species combined due to its sheer abundance.
Variable Damselfly
A blue damselfly with highly variable black markings, making identification challenging. Males have a distinctive mercury or wine-glass shaped mark on the second abdominal segment. It favors sheltered waters.
Did You Know?
Its abdominal markings are so variable that no two individuals are exactly alike, earning it its common name.