Whirligig Diving Beetle vs Cereal Leaf Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Whirligig Diving Beetle | Cereal Leaf Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrogyrus oblongus | Oulema melanopus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Gyrinidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Africa | Europe, North America (invasive), Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Whirligig Diving Beetle
A large whirligig beetle that spins on the water surface of African rivers.
Did You Know?
Its divided compound eyes allow it to see above and below water simultaneously.
Cereal Leaf Beetle
A small beetle with metallic blue-black elytra and a red-orange thorax. Its larvae strip the upper leaf surface of cereal crops.
Did You Know?
Larvae carry a shield of their own faeces on their backs to deter predators and prevent desiccation.