Kirby's Dropwing vs Large Elm Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Kirby's Dropwing | Large Elm Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Trithemis kirbyi | Oulimnius tuberculatus |
| Order | Odonata | Coleoptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Elmidae |
| Size | 30-37 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa, Asia, Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Kirby's Dropwing
A bright orange-red dragonfly widespread across Africa and into southern Asia. Males have distinctive orange wing bases and red veins.
Did You Know?
It has recently colonized southern Europe via the Middle East, now breeding in Spain and Italy.
Large Elm Beetle
A small, robust riffle beetle found throughout European streams. Adults have a distinctive tuberculate surface texture on their elytra.
Did You Know?
It is widely used as a bioindicator of good water quality in European river assessments.