Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle vs Hildebrand's Dragonfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle | Hildebrand's Dragonfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gyrinus minutus | Neodythemis hildebrandti |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Gyrinidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 40-50 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Madagascar |
| 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.
Hildebrand's Dragonfly
A forest-dwelling dragonfly with a dark metallic body and hyaline wings. Males have distinctive blue pruinescence on the abdomen and thorax.
Did You Know?
This genus is far more diverse on Madagascar than on the African mainland, suggesting an ancient radiation on the island.