Dinaric Cave Diving Beetle vs Redcoat Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dinaric Cave Diving Beetle Redcoat Damselfly
Scientific Name Spelaeodytes mirabilis Xanthocnemis zealandica
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Carabidae Coenagrionidae
Size 6-8 mm 28-36 mm
Habitat Caves Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Bosnia and Herzegovina Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Dinaric Cave Diving Beetle

A remarkable cave ground beetle from the Dinaric karst, with spider-like elongated legs. It was first collected in Herzegovina in the 19th century.

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Did You Know?

Its spider-like appearance led early naturalists to initially misidentify it.

Redcoat Damselfly

A small endemic damselfly found throughout New Zealand, named for the bright red body of the male. It is one of the most abundant odonates in New Zealand and frequents still or slow-moving water bodies. Females are typically greenish-brown.

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Did You Know?

Male redcoat damselflies will guard their mate by remaining attached in tandem while she lays eggs, preventing other males from mating with her.