Dimple-back Ground Beetle vs Cascade Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dimple-back Ground Beetle Cascade Damselfly
Scientific Name Elaphrus riparius Thaumatoneura inopinata
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Carabidae Thaumatoneuridae
Size 6-9 mm 55-65 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, northern Asia, North America Central America
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Dimple-back Ground Beetle

A small, fast-running beetle with distinctive cup-shaped depressions on its elytra that create a dimpled appearance. It has iridescent bronze-green coloring and runs on wet mud.

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Did You Know?

Each dimple on its elytra contains a raised center that creates a mirror-like reflection, giving the beetle a uniquely textured and sparkling appearance when viewed up close.

Cascade Damselfly

A rare damselfly found only near waterfalls in Central American cloud forests.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae develop on wet rocks behind waterfall spray zones.