Dragonhunter vs Giant Black Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dragonhunter Giant Black Water Beetle
Scientific Name Hagenius brevistylus Hydrophilus triangularis
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Gomphidae Hydrophilidae
Size 77-90 mm 34-40 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dragonhunter

The largest clubtail in North America and a formidable aerial predator. Its massive size and bold black and yellow markings are unmistakable.

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Did You Know?

It regularly catches and eats other dragonflies, earning its fearsome common name.

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.