Common Sun Beetle vs Malagasy Dobsonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Sun Beetle | Malagasy Dobsonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elaphrus cupreus | Neochauliodes madagascariensis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Megaloptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Corydalidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 40-60 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, northern Asia | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
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.
Malagasy Dobsonfly
A large, brown-winged insect with broad wings held tent-like over the body at rest. Males may have elongated mandibles. Larvae are aquatic and known as hellgrammites.
Did You Know?
The aquatic larvae are considered indicators of clean water quality, as they cannot tolerate polluted streams.