Hairy Whirligig Beetle vs Feather-horned Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hairy Whirligig Beetle Feather-horned Beetle
Scientific Name Orectochilus villosus Rhipicera femorata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Gyrinidae Rhipiceridae
Size 5-7 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Root Feeders
Regions Europe Oceania
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.

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Did You Know?

It is the only European whirligig beetle that is primarily nocturnal rather than diurnal.

Feather-horned Beetle

A beetle with spectacular fan-shaped antennae used for detecting pheromones.

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Did You Know?

Males have antennae with up to 20 flabellate segments resembling feathers.