Leatherback Ground Beetle vs Long-Toed Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Leatherback Ground Beetle Long-Toed Water Beetle
Scientific Name Carabus coriaceus Stenelmis crenata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Elmidae
Size 30-40 mm 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Central Europe, Southern Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Leatherback Ground Beetle

The largest European ground beetle, entirely matte black with heavily wrinkled elytra. It is a powerful nocturnal hunter of snails and worms.

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Did You Know?

Its heavily sculptured elytra resemble old leather, giving it both its common and scientific name.

Long-Toed Water Beetle

A small riffle beetle with elongated tarsal claws for gripping rocks in fast currents. Both adults and larvae are entirely aquatic.

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Did You Know?

Adults can live for several years underwater, far longer than most beetles.