Long-Necked Antlion vs Dinaric Cave Diving Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Long-Necked Antlion Dinaric Cave Diving Beetle
Scientific Name Palpares libelluloides Spelaeodytes mirabilis
Order Neuroptera Coleoptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Carabidae
Size 100-110 mm wingspan 6-8 mm
Habitat Heathland Caves
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa Bosnia and Herzegovina
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Long-Necked Antlion

One of the largest European antlions with a wingspan exceeding 100 mm and boldly patterned wings. Adults are strong fliers active during warm evenings.

💡

Did You Know?

This is the largest neuropteran in Europe, with a wingspan rivaling many dragonfly species.

Dinaric Cave Diving Beetle

A remarkable cave ground beetle from the Dinaric karst, with spider-like elongated legs. It was first collected in Herzegovina in the 19th century.

💡

Did You Know?

Its spider-like appearance led early naturalists to initially misidentify it.