Sharp-Grooved Diving Beetle vs Dusky Green Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sharp-Grooved Diving Beetle Dusky Green Lacewing
Scientific Name Acilius sulcatus Chrysopa dorsalis
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Dytiscidae Chrysopidae
Size 15-18 mm 14-20 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia Southern Europe, Turkey
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sharp-Grooved Diving Beetle

A medium-sized diving beetle widespread across Europe, recognized by the deeply grooved elytra of females. It is a fast and agile predator in ponds.

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Did You Know?

Females have deeply furrowed elytra that prevent males from gripping them, giving them control over mating.

Dusky Green Lacewing

A green lacewing with a dark dorsal stripe running along the abdomen. Prefers wooded habitats across southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few European lacewings that strongly prefers forested over open habitats.