Giant Black Water Beetle vs Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Black Water Beetle | Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydrophilus triangularis | Pepsis thisbe |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Hydrophilidae | Pompilidae |
| Size | 34-40 mm | 25-45 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
It carries a bubble of air beneath its body like a silvery film, which it replenishes at the surface.
Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk
A large metallic blue-black spider wasp with vibrant orange wings found in the Sonoran Desert. Females hunt blonde tarantulas as food for their larvae.
Did You Know?
It is the official state insect of New Mexico despite having one of the most painful stings of any insect.