Japanese Antlion vs Benderman's Cave Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Antlion Benderman's Cave Beetle
Scientific Name Hagenomyia micans Pseudanophthalmus bendermani
Order Neuroptera Coleoptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Carabidae
Size 60-80 mm wingspan 4-5 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Caves
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Japan, Korea, Eastern China United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Japanese Antlion

A large East Asian antlion with glossy wings and a robust body. A familiar summer insect across Japan attracted to artificial lights.

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Did You Know?

In Japanese folklore, antlion larvae are called 'arijigoku' meaning 'ant hell.'

Benderman's Cave Beetle

A tiny blind ground beetle restricted to a single cave system in Virginia. It is federally listed as endangered in the United States.

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Did You Know?

It is known from only one cave in the entire world.