Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle vs Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly
Scientific Name Carcinops pumilio Megalagrion xanthomelas
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Histeridae Coenagrionidae
Size 2-3 mm 32-38 mm
Habitat Farmland Wetlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Worldwide (cosmopolitan) Oceania (Hawaii)
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Red-Shouldered Ham Beetle

A tiny, shiny black hister beetle commonly found in poultry houses where it preys on house fly larvae. It is an important biological control agent in livestock facilities.

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Did You Know?

A single beetle can consume up to 24 house fly eggs per day, making it one of the best natural fly controls in hen houses.

Hawaiian Orangeblack Damselfly

A strikingly coloured Hawaiian damselfly with orange and black markings. It was once widespread in lowland wetlands but has declined dramatically due to habitat loss and introduced predators. It breeds in anchialine pools and slow streams.

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Did You Know?

This damselfly breeds in anchialine pools - unique coastal ponds with underground connections to the ocean, found along Hawaiian lava shorelines.