Asian Xenid vs Eyed Elater Glowworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Xenid Eyed Elater Glowworm
Scientific Name Xenos oxyodontes Phengodes fusciceps
Order Strepsiptera Coleoptera
Family Xenidae Phengodidae
Size 3.0-4.5 mm (males) 15-25 mm (females)
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasites Omnivores
Regions Asia Eastern United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Asian Xenid

A strepsipteran parasite of Ropalidia paper wasps in tropical Asia. It modifies host wasp social behavior and colony dynamics.

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Did You Know?

Parasitized worker wasps become lazy freeloaders that beg food from nestmates instead of foraging.

Eyed Elater Glowworm

A railroad worm beetle whose larviform females emit light from paired organs along the body. Males are short-lived, winged, and do not glow.

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Did You Know?

Females produce both green light from their body segments and red light from their head, resembling a tiny railroad train at night.