Svalbard Rove Beetle vs Helicopter Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Svalbard Rove Beetle | Helicopter Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atheta islandica | Mecistogaster linearis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Pseudostigmatidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 80 mm body, 100 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Iceland, Svalbard, northern Scandinavia, Greenland | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Svalbard Rove Beetle
A tiny, dark brown rove beetle found in some of the most northerly terrestrial habitats on Earth. It shelters in bird nests and guano deposits where the microclimate is warmer. Adults are active predators of mites.
Did You Know?
This beetle survives in the High Arctic partly by living in seabird colonies where decomposing guano generates warmth.
Helicopter Dragonfly
A forest giant damselfly that plucks spiders from their webs while hovering.
Did You Know?
Females oviposit into water-filled bromeliads and tree holes in the canopy.