Brazilian Railroad Worm vs Temognatha Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brazilian Railroad Worm Temognatha Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Phrixothrix viviani Temognatha alternata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Phengodidae Buprestidae
Size 20-40 mm (female), 10-14 mm (male) 25-45 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Root Feeders
Regions South America, Brazil Western Australia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Brazilian Railroad Worm

A tropical glowworm beetle with the remarkable ability to produce both green lateral lights and a red cephalic light. The female is large and larviform, while the male is a small, short-lived winged beetle.

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Did You Know?

The red and green lights are produced by different luciferases, making this beetle a subject of intensive biochemical research.

Temognatha Jewel Beetle

A large Australian jewel beetle with bold yellow and black striped elytra. Found in eucalyptus forests and woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Australia has over 1,200 species of jewel beetles, more than any other continent.