Northern Rock Crawler vs Common Darter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Northern Rock Crawler Common Darter
Scientific Name Grylloblatta campodeiformis Sympetrum striolatum
Order Grylloblattodea Odonata
Family Grylloblattidae Libellulidae
Size 15-30 mm 35-44 mm body length
Habitat Indoors Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions North America Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Northern Rock Crawler

A rare ice-dwelling insect that lives on glaciers and snowfields at near-freezing temperatures. Handling one with bare hands can overheat and kill it.

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Did You Know?

Rock crawlers are so cold-adapted that a human hand is hot enough to kill them — they prefer temperatures between 1-4C and die above 20C.

Common Darter

Europe's most abundant dragonfly, with mature males turning bright orange-red. It is often the last dragonfly flying in autumn, sometimes into November.

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Did You Know?

Mating pairs lay eggs by repeatedly dipping the female's abdomen into the water while flying in tandem.