Brazilian Headlight Firefly vs Black Carrion Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brazilian Headlight Firefly Black Carrion Beetle
Scientific Name Pyrearinus termitilluminans Necrodes littoralis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Silphidae
Size 15-20 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Carrion Feeders
Regions South America Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Brazilian Headlight Firefly

A unique click beetle relative whose bioluminescent larvae inhabit termite mounds in the Brazilian cerrado. The glowing mounds are a famous natural spectacle.

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Did You Know?

Termite mounds dotted with hundreds of glowing larvae resemble miniature cities at night and are a famous sight in Emas National Park.

Black Carrion Beetle

A large, dark carrion beetle with ridged elytra and a distinctive lumpy thorax. It is associated with larger carcasses where it breeds in masses.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name 'littoralis' meaning 'of the shore', it is found throughout inland areas as well as coasts.