Lesser Emperor vs Wheel Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Emperor | Wheel Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anax parthenope | Arilus cristatus |
| Order | Odonata | Hemiptera |
| Family | Aeshnidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 62-75 mm body length | 28-36 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Orchards |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Europe, Central Europe, Western Europe | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Emperor
A large dragonfly with a brownish thorax and distinctive blue saddle at the base of its abdomen. It is a strong migrant expanding northward through Europe.
Did You Know?
Females lay eggs while flying in tandem with the male over open water.
Wheel Bug
The largest assassin bug in North America, named for the distinctive cogwheel-shaped crest on its thorax. It delivers an extremely painful bite if handled.
Did You Know?
Its bite injects cytolytic venom that dissolves tissue, producing pain reported to be worse than a wasp sting lasting for days.