Larger Grain Borer vs Kirby's Dropwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larger Grain Borer Kirby's Dropwing
Scientific Name Prostephanus truncatus Trithemis kirbyi
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Bostrichidae Libellulidae
Size 3-4.5 mm 30-37 mm
Habitat Gardens Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Africa, Central America Africa, Asia, Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Larger Grain Borer

A devastating pest of stored maize and dried cassava in Africa. It can cause grain weight losses exceeding 30% in untreated stores.

💡

Did You Know?

A predatory beetle, Teretrius nigrescens, was introduced to Africa as a biological control agent against it.

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.