Tau Emerald vs Creek Pacer Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tau Emerald Creek Pacer Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Hemicordulia tau Chlaenius tricolor
Order Odonata Coleoptera
Family Corduliidae Carabidae
Size 55-60mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Oceania North America, from Canada to the southern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tau Emerald

A metallic emerald-green dragonfly with bright green eyes and a distinctive T-shaped yellow marking on the abdomen. It is one of the most common dragonflies in Australia. Males patrol relentlessly.

💡

Did You Know?

The yellow tau-shaped mark on its abdomen gives it both its scientific and common name.

Creek Pacer Ground Beetle

A handsome ground beetle with bright metallic green elytra, a bluish pronotum, and reddish-brown legs. It is commonly found near streams and rivers across North America.

💡

Did You Know?

Like other Chlaenius species, it produces a strong, distinctive odor from defensive glands that some collectors describe as smelling like leather or wet dog.