Dune Spoonwing vs Sand-Loving Hister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dune Spoonwing | Sand-Loving Hister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Halter halteratus | Hypocaccus rugifrons |
| Order | Neuroptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nemopteridae | Histeridae |
| Size | 20-28 mm wingspan (forewings) | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Mediterranean Basin, North Africa | Europe, Mediterranean coasts |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Dune Spoonwing
A small nemopterid with spoon-tipped hindwings found in coastal Mediterranean habitats. Commonly seen fluttering over sandy ground near the sea.
Did You Know?
The species name 'halteratus' refers to the haltere-like form of its modified hindwings.
Sand-Loving Hister Beetle
A small, reddish-brown hister beetle found in sandy coastal habitats. It hunts fly larvae in seaweed wrack and stranded carrion.
Did You Know?
It buries itself in sand beneath rotting kelp during the day and emerges at night to hunt fly larvae in the wrack.