Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle vs Yellow-winged Darter
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Twelve-Lined Whirligig Beetle | Yellow-winged Darter |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gyrinus minutus | Sympetrum flaveolum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Gyrinidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 32-37 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Wetlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Yellow-winged Darter
A medium-sized darter with extensive saffron-yellow patches at the base of all four wings. Males are red-bodied while females are yellowish.
Did You Know?
It breeds in temporary flood meadows and is a strong migrant that appears in large numbers in good years.