Rain Beetle Hunter vs Common Snakefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Rain Beetle Hunter | Common Snakefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Calosoma cancellatum | Raphidia notata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Raphidioptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Raphidiidae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Orchards |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America, from Canada to Mexico | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Rain Beetle Hunter
A medium to large caterpillar hunter with dark elytra marked by rows of rectangular pits giving a grid-like appearance. It is one of the most common Calosoma species across North American prairies.
Did You Know?
It emerges in massive numbers after rain events on the Great Plains, earning the nickname rain beetle, and can be found running across roads in huge aggregations.
Common Snakefly
A distinctive predatory insect with an elongated prothorax that gives it a snake-like appearance. It hunts aphids and other small insects on tree bark.
Did You Know?
Snakeflies can raise their elongated thorax and strike at prey in a manner reminiscent of a snake, hence their name.