Broad-Horned Onitis vs European Glowworm
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Broad-Horned Onitis | European Glowworm |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onitis caffer | Lampyris noctiluca |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 16-26 mm | 15-25 mm (females); 10-12 mm (males) |
| Habitat | Farmland | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Broad-Horned Onitis
A large, dark brown to black tunneler with massive forelegs in males. The prothorax is greatly enlarged. It digs deep vertical shafts beneath cattle dung and is primarily nocturnal. Males use their forelegs in combat.
Did You Know?
The enormous forelegs of the male serve double duty, used both for digging and for grappling with rival males.
European Glowworm
A well-known European firefly where only the wingless female produces a steady green glow. Males are winged but produce no light.
Did You Know?
Females glow for up to two hours each night to attract flying males, then stop after mating.