Neotropical Toe-Biter vs Petaltail Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Toe-Biter Petaltail Dragonfly
Scientific Name Belostoma elongatum Tachopteryx thoreyi
Order Hemiptera Odonata
Family Belostomatidae Petaluridae
Size 40-55 mm 70-80 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Indoors
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Neotropical Toe-Biter

A large aquatic predatory bug with flattened body and powerful raptorial forelegs. It is common in South American freshwater habitats.

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Did You Know?

It breathes through a retractable siphon at its rear, hanging just below the water surface like a snorkel.

Petaltail Dragonfly

A primitive dragonfly that perches on tree trunks and has bog-dwelling larvae.

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Did You Know?

It belongs to one of the most ancient dragonfly families, largely unchanged for 150 million years.