Giant Dobsonfly vs Mole-nest Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Dobsonfly | Mole-nest Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acanthacorydalis fruhstorferi | Quedius mesomelinus |
| Order | Megaloptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Corydalidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 60-90 mm body, 210 mm wingspan | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Asia | Europe, Western Asia, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Giant Dobsonfly
The largest aquatic insect in the world by wingspan, found in streams in Vietnam and China. Males have enormous mandibles resembling reindeer antlers.
Did You Know?
With a wingspan of 21 cm, this is the worlds largest aquatic insect — its bizarre mandibles resemble reindeer antlers and are used exclusively for grappling rival males.
Mole-nest Rove Beetle
A medium-sized, dark rove beetle commonly found in caves, cellars, and the nests of burrowing mammals. It is one of the most troglophilic rove beetles in the Palearctic region.
Did You Know?
This beetle is one of the most commonly recorded beetle species in European caves, thriving in the perpetual darkness.