Whirligig Diving Beetle vs Western Damsel Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Whirligig Diving Beetle | Western Damsel Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrogyrus oblongus | Nabis alternatus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Gyrinidae | Nabidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Africa | Western North America |
| 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.
Western Damsel Bug
A tan to light brown predatory bug common in agricultural fields across western North America. It has elongate forelegs adapted for capturing prey. It is valued as a natural biological control agent in alfalfa and other crops.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most abundant generalist predators in western alfalfa fields and can significantly reduce lygus bug populations without any pesticide intervention.