Cretan Hawker vs Giant Black Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cretan Hawker Giant Black Water Beetle
Scientific Name Boyeria cretensis Hydrophilus triangularis
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Aeshnidae Hydrophilidae
Size 60-70 mm body 34-40 mm
Habitat Mountains Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Crete, Greece North America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Cretan Hawker

A dragonfly endemic to the island of Crete, found only along a few shaded mountain streams. One of Europe's most range-restricted dragonflies. Threatened by water extraction.

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Did You Know?

Found nowhere else on Earth except a few mountain streams on the island of Crete.

Giant Black Water Beetle

The largest water beetle in North America, with a shiny black oval body. Larvae are voracious predators while adults are mainly plant feeders.

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Did You Know?

It carries a bubble of air beneath its body like a silvery film, which it replenishes at the surface.