Predaceous Diving Beetle vs Marsh Treader

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Predaceous Diving Beetle Marsh Treader
Scientific Name Cybister lateralimarginalis Hydrometra stagnorum
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Dytiscidae Hydrometridae
Size 30-37 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Southern Europe, Africa, Middle East Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Predaceous Diving Beetle

A large olive-green diving beetle found across southern Europe and Africa. It is a powerful swimmer that hunts a range of aquatic animals.

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Did You Know?

In some parts of Asia and Africa, large Cybister species are collected and eaten as a traditional food source.

Marsh Treader

An extremely slender, stick-like bug with a greatly elongated head. It walks slowly across floating vegetation and water surfaces at pond margins, probing for tiny prey.

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Did You Know?

Its elongated head and rostrum give it a bizarre twig-like appearance, providing excellent camouflage among vegetation.