Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle vs Black Arches

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle Black Arches
Scientific Name Gyrinus minutus Lymantria monacha
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Gyrinidae Erebidae
Size 3-4 mm 40-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe, temperate Asia, Japan
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle

One of the smallest European whirligig beetles, found in clean ponds and lakes. It is often overlooked due to its diminutive size.

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Did You Know?

Its flattened, oar-like hind legs beat up to 60 times per second to maintain its rapid surface swimming.

Black Arches

A striking moth with white wings boldly marked with black zigzag lines and a pink-flushed abdomen. It can occasionally erupt in huge outbreaks that defoliate conifer forests.

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Did You Know?

During outbreaks in central Europe, caterpillar frass falling from trees sounds like rainfall.