Icelandic Water Beetle vs Bronze Furrow Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Icelandic Water Beetle Bronze Furrow Bee
Scientific Name Agabus bipustulatus Halictus tumulorum
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Dytiscidae Halictidae
Size 9-12 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Tundra & Arctic
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions Iceland, Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Europe, Arctic Canada Europe, Asia, North Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Icelandic Water Beetle

A medium-sized, oval, dark brown diving beetle found in cold ponds and lakes. It carries a silvery air bubble under its elytra for breathing underwater. Adults are strong fliers and can colonize isolated Arctic ponds.

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Did You Know?

This beetle is one of the most widespread diving beetles in the Arctic and can fly long distances to colonize new ponds created by permafrost thaw.

Bronze Furrow Bee

A small, dark metallic furrow bee with a subtle bronze sheen widespread across the Palearctic. It is primitively eusocial with small colonies.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most ubiquitous wild bees in Europe and can be found foraging in virtually any flower-rich habitat from sea level to mountaintops.