Hairy Whirligig Beetle vs Alpine Dung Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hairy Whirligig Beetle | Alpine Dung Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Orectochilus villosus | Geotrupes alpinus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Gyrinidae | Geotrupidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hairy Whirligig Beetle
A nocturnal whirligig beetle covered in fine golden hairs that trap air underwater. Unlike other whirligigs it hides under stones by day.
Did You Know?
It is the only European whirligig beetle that is primarily nocturnal rather than diurnal.
Alpine Dung Beetle
A sturdy, dark dung beetle of high-altitude pastures grazed by livestock. It buries dung underground where its larvae develop.
Did You Know?
A single pair can bury a dung ball several times their own body weight in one night.