Bethany Beach Firefly vs Grant's Hercules Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bethany Beach Firefly Grant's Hercules Beetle
Scientific Name Photuris bethaniensis Dynastes granti
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Dynastinae
Size 10-14 mm 40-80 mm
Habitat Wetlands Mountains
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions Eastern United States Southwestern United States, Northern Mexico
Conservation Vulnerable Not Evaluated

Bethany Beach Firefly

A predatory firefly known from a narrow range along the mid-Atlantic coast. Females mimic the flash patterns of other firefly species to lure and eat the males.

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Did You Know?

By consuming other fireflies, females acquire defensive chemicals called lucibufagins that protect them from predators.

Grant's Hercules Beetle

A large rhinoceros beetle from the American Southwest with mottled elytra. Males have a prominent horn used in territorial disputes.

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Did You Know?

They are attracted to lights at night and sometimes startle homeowners with their impressive size.