Sunburst Diving Beetle vs Calico Pennant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sunburst Diving Beetle Calico Pennant
Scientific Name Thermonectus marmoratus Celithemis elisa
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Dytiscidae Libellulidae
Size 12-15 mm 28-37mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Southwestern North America, Mexico North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sunburst Diving Beetle

A striking yellow-and-black spotted diving beetle from the American Southwest and Mexico. Its larvae have been discovered to possess bifocal lenses in their eyes.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are the first animals discovered to have true bifocal eyes, with two focal lengths in a single lens.

Calico Pennant

A small dragonfly with triangular red or yellow wing spots creating a calico pattern. Males have red body and wing markings while females have yellow. It perches delicately on vegetation tips.

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Did You Know?

Its patterned wings inspired its 'calico' name, resembling the printed cotton fabric of the same name.