Hornet Moth vs Long-Toed Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hornet Moth Long-Toed Water Beetle
Scientific Name Sesia apiformis Stenelmis crenata
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Sesiidae Elmidae
Size 33-48 mm wingspan 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hornet Moth

A clearwing moth that is a near-perfect mimic of the European hornet.

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Did You Know?

It even buzzes and moves its abdomen like a hornet when disturbed.

Long-Toed Water Beetle

A small riffle beetle with elongated tarsal claws for gripping rocks in fast currents. Both adults and larvae are entirely aquatic.

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Did You Know?

Adults can live for several years underwater, far longer than most beetles.