Spanish Fly vs Agabus Arctic Diving Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spanish Fly | Agabus Arctic Diving Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lytta vesicatoria | Agabus arcticus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Dytiscidae |
| Size | 10-22mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Scandinavia, Northern Russia, Northern Canada, Alaska |
| 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.
Agabus Arctic Diving Beetle
A cold-adapted diving beetle found in northern and alpine regions across the Holarctic. It thrives in frigid mountain streams and arctic tundra pools.
Did You Know?
It can remain active in near-freezing water temperatures that would immobilize most other aquatic insects.