Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle vs Black Burying Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle | Black Burying Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gyrinus minutus | Nicrophorus humator |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Gyrinidae | Silphidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 18-26mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Carrion Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Its flattened, oar-like hind legs beat up to 60 times per second to maintain its rapid surface swimming.
Black Burying Beetle
A large all-black burying beetle with orange-tipped antennae. It buries animal carcasses for its larvae.
Did You Know?
One of the largest burying beetles in Europe and can inter a mouse-sized carcass in just a few hours.