Water Scavenger Beetle vs North African Bombardier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Scavenger Beetle North African Bombardier Beetle
Scientific Name Hydrophilus piceus Brachinus humeralis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Hydrophilidae Carabidae
Size 34-48 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Heathland
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia North Africa, Southern Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Water Scavenger Beetle

One of the largest European water beetles, with a glossy black, boat-shaped body. Despite its name, it is largely herbivorous as an adult.

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Did You Know?

It carries air under its body in a silvery film, giving it a shimmering appearance underwater.

North African Bombardier Beetle

A bombardier beetle found in North Africa and the Mediterranean basin. It has a reddish-brown head and thorax with dark blue-black elytra.

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Did You Know?

Like other bombardier beetles it can fire its chemical spray in rapid pulses of up to 500 times per second.