Tau Emerald vs European Beewolf

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tau Emerald European Beewolf
Scientific Name Hemicordulia tau Philanthus triangulum
Order Odonata Hymenoptera
Family Corduliidae Crabronidae
Size 55-60mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Oceania Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

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

European Beewolf

A large, striking yellow-and-black solitary wasp that specialises in hunting honeybees. Females paralyse bees in flight and carry them back to sandy burrow nests.

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Did You Know?

Females embalm their honeybee prey with an antifungal secretion to keep it fresh for their larvae.