Icelandic Water Beetle vs Yellow Owlfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Icelandic Water Beetle | Yellow Owlfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agabus bipustulatus | Libelloides longicornis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Dytiscidae | Ascalaphidae |
| Size | 9-12 mm | 20-25 mm body, 45-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Meadows |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Iceland, Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Europe, Arctic Canada | Central and Southern Europe |
| 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.
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.
Yellow Owlfly
A beautiful owlfly with long clubbed antennae and bright yellow-and-black wings. It perches on grass stems with wings spread like a butterfly.
Did You Know?
Adults can be seen sunbathing on grass stems with wings fully spread in the early morning.