Sparkling Jewelwing vs Big Sand Tiger Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sparkling Jewelwing Big Sand Tiger Beetle
Scientific Name Calopteryx xanthostoma Cicindela formosa
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Calopterygidae Cicindelidae
Size 45-50 mm 14-18 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sparkling Jewelwing

A southwestern European demoiselle closely related to the Banded Demoiselle. Males have broad dark wing bands and a distinctive yellow underside to the mouth.

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Did You Know?

It can be distinguished from the Banded Demoiselle by the yellow underside of its lower lip.

Big Sand Tiger Beetle

A large and colorful tiger beetle found in sandy habitats across North America. Its color varies from bright red to dark brown depending on region.

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Did You Know?

It can run so fast that it temporarily goes blind and must stop to re-orient before resuming its chase.