Water Scorpion vs Benderman's Cave Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Scorpion | Benderman's Cave Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nepa cinerea | Pseudanophthalmus bendermani |
| Order | Hemiptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Nepidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 18-22 mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Caves |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Water Scorpion
A flat aquatic bug that lurks in shallow water resembling a dead leaf. It breathes through a long tail-like siphon that breaks the water surface.
Did You Know?
Despite its name and scorpion-like raptorial forelegs, the water scorpion is a weak swimmer and instead ambushes prey from vegetation.
Benderman's Cave Beetle
A tiny blind ground beetle restricted to a single cave system in Virginia. It is federally listed as endangered in the United States.
Did You Know?
It is known from only one cave in the entire world.