Hairy Whirligig Beetle vs Oak Eggar

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hairy Whirligig Beetle Oak Eggar
Scientific Name Orectochilus villosus Lasiocampa quercus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Gyrinidae Lasiocampidae
Size 5-7 mm 50-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, North Africa, western Asia
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.

Oak Eggar

A robust moth with rich brown wings and a distinctive white spot on each forewing. Males are active fast fliers during the day, while females fly at night.

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Did You Know?

Males can detect a female's pheromones from several kilometres away.