Big Dipper Firefly vs Giant Darkling Beetle of St. Helena

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Big Dipper Firefly Giant Darkling Beetle of St. Helena
Scientific Name Photinus consimilis Hegeter politus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Tenebrionidae
Size 8-12 mm 1.5-2.5 cm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions North America St. Helena
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Big Dipper Firefly

A common North American firefly that produces a slow, arching flash resembling the Big Dipper constellation pattern. It is active in early summer evenings.

💡

Did You Know?

Each species of Photinus has evolved its own unique flash pattern to avoid mating with the wrong species.

Giant Darkling Beetle of St. Helena

A darkling beetle endemic to the remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic. It is nocturnal and hides under stones during the day.

💡

Did You Know?

St. Helena has over 400 endemic invertebrate species, many of which are found nowhere else.