Central American Glowworm Beetle vs Iron Cross Blister Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Central American Glowworm Beetle Iron Cross Blister Beetle
Scientific Name Phengodes hidalgoensis Tegrodera aloga
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Phengodidae Meloidae
Size 10-15 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Mountains Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions North America, Mexico Southwestern United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Central American Glowworm Beetle

A Mexican glowworm beetle with males possessing large feathery antennae and short elytra. The larviform females produce greenish-yellow bioluminescence from lateral light organs.

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Did You Know?

Phengodidae are found only in the New World, from southern Canada to South America, making them a uniquely American family.

Iron Cross Blister Beetle

A striking beetle with bright yellow and black cross-shaped markings on its elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent blistering agent.

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Did You Know?

Swarms occasionally emerge in massive numbers after favorable spring rains in the desert.