Pacific Spiketail vs Predatory Dung Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Pacific Spiketail | Predatory Dung Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cordulegaster dorsalis | Deltochilum valgum |
| Order | Odonata | Coleoptera |
| Family | Cordulegastridae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 65-75 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Pacific Spiketail
The only spiketail dragonfly on the Pacific coast of North America. It has a dark brown body with yellow dorsal spots and patrols shaded forest seepages.
Did You Know?
It is the only spiketail species found west of the Rocky Mountains in North America.
Predatory Dung Beetle
An unusual roller dung beetle that has evolved predatory behavior, actively hunting and killing millipedes. It is dark brown to black with a flattened body shape. The species represents a remarkable dietary shift within dung beetles.
Did You Know?
This is one of the only known predatory dung beetles, using its clypeus to decapitate millipedes before rolling the carcass away.