Mediterranean Drilus vs Hairy Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mediterranean Drilus | Hairy Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Drilus mauritanicus | Brachytron pratense |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Drilidae | Aeshnidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm (male), 15-20 mm (female) | 54-63mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Wetlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North Africa, Mediterranean | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mediterranean Drilus
A North African drilus beetle with small winged males bearing brown elytra and pectinate antennae. The larviform females are specialized predators of Mediterranean land snails.
Did You Know?
After consuming a snail, the female lays her eggs inside the empty snail shell, which also serves as protection for the developing larvae.
Hairy Dragonfly
The earliest-emerging hawker dragonfly in Europe, with a distinctively hairy thorax. Males have blue and green markings on a dark body. It flies along ditches and reed-fringed waterways.
Did You Know?
It emerges up to two months earlier than other hawkers, giving it exclusive access to spring insect prey.