Southern Hawker vs Sand-Loving Hister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Southern Hawker Sand-Loving Hister Beetle
Scientific Name Aeshna cyanea Hypocaccus rugifrons
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Aeshnidae Histeridae
Size 70-76 mm wingspan 2-4 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Mediterranean coasts
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Southern Hawker

A large, inquisitive dragonfly with apple-green and blue markings on a dark body. It is known for its curiosity and often approaches and hovers near humans.

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Did You Know?

Southern hawkers are among the most curious dragonflies and will frequently investigate humans, hovering at eye level as if studying them.

Sand-Loving Hister Beetle

A small, reddish-brown hister beetle found in sandy coastal habitats. It hunts fly larvae in seaweed wrack and stranded carrion.

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Did You Know?

It buries itself in sand beneath rotting kelp during the day and emerges at night to hunt fly larvae in the wrack.