Western Cicada Killer vs Giant Black Water Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Cicada Killer | Giant Black Water Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphecius grandis | Hydrophilus triangularis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Crabronidae | Hydrophilidae |
| Size | 30-55 mm | 34-40 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Western United States from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Western Cicada Killer
A massive solitary wasp of the American West that hunts cicadas to provision its underground burrows. It is slightly larger and paler than its eastern relative.
Did You Know?
Despite its intimidating size, it is generally docile toward humans and males cannot sting at all.
Giant Black Water Beetle
The largest water beetle in North America, with a shiny black oval body. Larvae are voracious predators while adults are mainly plant feeders.
Did You Know?
It carries a bubble of air beneath its body like a silvery film, which it replenishes at the surface.