Speckled Wood vs Hairy Whirligig Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Speckled Wood | Hairy Whirligig Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pararge aegeria | Orectochilus villosus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Gyrinidae |
| Size | 40-45 mm wingspan | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North Africa, Central Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Speckled Wood
Brown butterfly with cream or orange spots and small eyespots on hindwings. Males defend sunlit patches on the forest floor.
Did You Know?
It is the only European butterfly that overwinters as either a caterpillar or a pupa.
Hairy Whirligig Beetle
A nocturnal whirligig beetle covered in fine golden hairs that trap air underwater. Unlike other whirligigs it hides under stones by day.
Did You Know?
It is the only European whirligig beetle that is primarily nocturnal rather than diurnal.