Amazonian Giant Centipede-Mimicking Beetle vs Silky Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Amazonian Giant Centipede-Mimicking Beetle Silky Lacewing
Scientific Name Phileurus didymus Psychopsis illidgei
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Scarabaeidae Psychopsidae
Size 30-50 mm 30-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela) Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Amazonian Giant Centipede-Mimicking Beetle

A robust dark brown rhinoceros beetle with two horn-like projections on its head. It breeds in decaying palm trunks and stumps. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is harmless to humans.

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Did You Know?

Its paired head horns are shorter in proportion to the body than most rhinoceros beetles, suggesting they are used more for digging than for combat.

Silky Lacewing

A beautiful Australian lacewing with large, rounded wings covered in intricate patterns resembling tree bark. It rests with wings flat against surfaces for camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Silky lacewings belong to an ancient family with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, over 160 million years ago.