Western Dobsonfly vs Splendid Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Dobsonfly Splendid Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Neohermes californicus Carabus splendens
Order Megaloptera Coleoptera
Family Corydalidae Carabidae
Size 50-70 mm wingspan 22-32 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Western North America Pyrenees (France and Spain)
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

Western Dobsonfly

A large dobsonfly of western North American streams, smaller than its eastern relative. Larvae are top predators under rocks in cool mountain streams.

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Did You Know?

Unlike eastern dobsonflies, males of this species lack the enlarged mandibles.

Splendid Ground Beetle

A dazzling green and gold ground beetle endemic to the Pyrenees mountains. It is prized by collectors for its brilliant metallic sheen.

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Did You Know?

Its range is restricted to a narrow band of the Pyrenees, making it one of Europe's most localised Carabus species.