Mediterranean Drilus vs Toad Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Drilus Toad Bug
Scientific Name Drilus mauritanicus Gelastocoris oculatus
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Drilidae Gelastocoridae
Size 5-7 mm (male), 15-20 mm (female) 8-10 mm
Habitat Heathland Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North Africa, Mediterranean North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mediterranean Drilus

A North African drilus beetle with small winged males bearing brown elytra and pectinate antennae. The larviform females are specialized predators of Mediterranean land snails.

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Did You Know?

After consuming a snail, the female lays her eggs inside the empty snail shell, which also serves as protection for the developing larvae.

Toad Bug

A warty bug that closely resembles a tiny toad and hops along stream banks.

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Did You Know?

It leaps onto prey like a toad, using powerful hind legs to pounce.