Riffle Beetle vs Elephant Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Riffle Beetle | Elephant Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elmis aenea | Deilephila elpenor |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Elmidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 1.5-2.5 mm | 55-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Riffle Beetle
A tiny, dark beetle that spends its entire adult life underwater clinging to rocks in riffles. It breathes using a plastron, a permanent thin film of air.
Did You Know?
Its plastron air film never needs replenishing, allowing it to remain permanently submerged.
Elephant Hawk-moth
A stunning pink and olive-green moth that hovers at flowers like a hummingbird at dusk. Its caterpillar has eyespots and a trunk-like shape, resembling a small elephant.
Did You Know?
It has exceptional night vision and can see colour in near-total darkness.