Eastern Hercules Beetle vs Comb-horned Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Hercules Beetle Comb-horned Crane Fly
Scientific Name Dynastes tityus Ctenophora ornata
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Dynastinae Tipulidae
Size 40-60 mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Sap Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern United States Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Eastern Hercules Beetle

The largest beetle in North America, with males bearing a large pronotal horn. Elytra are greenish-yellow with dark mottling.

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Did You Know?

Their elytra change color depending on humidity levels, becoming darker when moist.

Comb-horned Crane Fly

A striking wasp-mimicking crane fly with yellow and black abdominal bands. Males have elaborate comb-like antennae used to detect female pheromones.

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Did You Know?

Its presence indicates ancient woodland because larvae require large-diameter decaying logs.