Spanish Fly vs African Giant Tiger Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spanish Fly | African Giant Tiger Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lytta vesicatoria | Manticora herculeana |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 10-22mm | 40-65 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spanish Fly
A slender, metallic green blister beetle with soft elytra. It produces cantharidin, a potent blistering agent, as a chemical defense.
Did You Know?
Cantharidin from this beetle has been used in medicine for centuries but it is extremely toxic and can be lethal if ingested.
African Giant Tiger Beetle
The largest tiger beetle in the world, entirely black with enormous sickle-shaped mandibles. It is flightless and hunts by running down prey on sandy ground in southern Africa.
Did You Know?
Its mandibles are so powerful they can draw blood from a human finger, and despite being flightless, it can sprint at impressive speeds to chase down prey.