Yellow Owlfly vs Whirligig Diving Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow Owlfly Whirligig Diving Beetle
Scientific Name Libelloides longicornis Macrogyrus oblongus
Order Neuroptera Coleoptera
Family Ascalaphidae Gyrinidae
Size 20-25 mm body, 45-55 mm wingspan 12-18 mm
Habitat Meadows Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Central and Southern Europe Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Yellow Owlfly

A beautiful owlfly with long clubbed antennae and bright yellow-and-black wings. It perches on grass stems with wings spread like a butterfly.

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Did You Know?

Adults can be seen sunbathing on grass stems with wings fully spread in the early morning.

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.