Whirligig Diving Beetle vs Grannom Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Whirligig Diving Beetle Grannom Caddisfly
Scientific Name Macrogyrus oblongus Brachycentrus subnubilus
Order Coleoptera Trichoptera
Family Gyrinidae Brachycentridae
Size 12-18 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Whirligig Diving Beetle

A large whirligig beetle that spins on the water surface of African rivers.

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Did You Know?

Its divided compound eyes allow it to see above and below water simultaneously.

Grannom Caddisfly

A small dark caddisfly that produces massive spring hatches on European rivers. Larvae build distinctive square-sectioned cases from silk and plant fibers.

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Did You Know?

Grannom hatches are so dense on some rivers that local people historically swept up mounds of dead adults to use as fertilizer.