Sunburst Diving Beetle vs Variegated Flower Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sunburst Diving Beetle Variegated Flower Beetle
Scientific Name Thermonectus marmoratus Gnorimus variabilis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Dytiscidae Scarabaeidae
Size 12-15 mm 15-20 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Parks
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Southwestern North America, Mexico Europe
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

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.

Variegated Flower Beetle

A dark brown or black beetle with variable yellow-white spots on the elytra. It is extremely rare and tied to ancient hollow trees.

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Did You Know?

It is so rare in Britain that it has been found at only a handful of sites in its entire recorded history.