European Spider Wasp vs Giant Black Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Spider Wasp Giant Black Water Beetle
Scientific Name Episyron albonotatum Hydrophilus triangularis
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Pompilidae Hydrophilidae
Size 8-14 mm 34-40 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Spider Wasp

A medium-sized black spider wasp with white markings that hunts orb-weaving spiders across Europe. It nests in sandy soil near the edges of paths.

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Did You Know?

It carries captured spiders by flying short distances while holding them underneath its body.

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.