Flying Earwig Hawaiian Damselfly vs Toe-winged Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flying Earwig Hawaiian Damselfly Toe-winged Beetle
Scientific Name Megalagrion nesiotes Ptilodactyla exotica
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Coenagrionidae Ptilodactylidae
Size 25-32 mm 5-10 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Oceania (Hawaii - Oahu) South America
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Flying Earwig Hawaiian Damselfly

An endemic Hawaiian damselfly found in wet forests, notable for breeding in water-filled leaf axils of native plants rather than streams. It is a small, delicate species. The terrestrial breeding habit is unique among Hawaiian damselflies.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most damselflies, this species lays its eggs in the tiny pools of water that collect in the leaf bases of plants, bypassing the need for streams entirely.

Toe-winged Beetle

A soft-bodied beetle whose larvae are aquatic and breathe through anal gills.

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Did You Know?

Adults are attracted to lights at night while larvae remain fully aquatic.