Hairy Whirligig Beetle vs White Clover Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hairy Whirligig Beetle White Clover Weevil
Scientific Name Orectochilus villosus Protapion fulvipes
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Gyrinidae Brentidae
Size 5-7 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Seed Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
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.

White Clover Weevil

A minute black weevil with pale legs that feeds on white clover flower heads. Extremely common in pastures. Larvae consume developing clover seeds.

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Did You Know?

One of the most abundant beetles in European grasslands, with densities reaching thousands per square meter.