Jet Beetle vs Paddle-tailed Darner
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Jet Beetle | Paddle-tailed Darner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stenus comma | Aeshna palmata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 65-75 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Jet Beetle
A tiny, goggle-eyed rove beetle that hunts with a remarkable extendable labium tipped with adhesive pads. It can also skim across water surfaces using a unique chemical propulsion mechanism.
Did You Know?
Stenus beetles secrete stenusine from pygidial glands, which lowers water surface tension behind them, propelling them across water at speeds up to 70 cm per second.
Paddle-tailed Darner
A large, boldly marked darner of western North America with distinctive paddle-shaped cerci. Males have bright blue and green abdominal spots.
Did You Know?
Its uniquely flattened, paddle-shaped cerci are unlike those of any other North American darner.