Giant African Antlion vs Nairobi Eye Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant African Antlion | Nairobi Eye Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Palpares speciosus | Paederus sabaeus |
| Order | Neuroptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 100-130 mm wingspan | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Indoors |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southern Africa, East Africa | East Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant African Antlion
A massive African antlion with strikingly marked black-and-yellow wings. One of the largest neuropteran insects in the world.
Did You Know?
It is among the largest living neuropterans, with some individuals exceeding 13 cm in wingspan.
Nairobi Eye Beetle
A small, brightly colored rove beetle with an orange and black body that produces pederin, a potent blistering toxin. Outbreaks near human habitation cause painful dermatitis known as Nairobi eye.
Did You Know?
Pederin, the toxin in its hemolymph, is 12 times more potent than cobra venom drop for drop and is being researched as an anti-cancer compound.