Central American Glowworm Beetle vs Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Central American Glowworm Beetle	Robber Fly
Scientific Name	Phengodes hidalgoensis	Promachus rufipes
Order	Coleoptera	Diptera
Family	Phengodidae	Asilidae
Size	10-15 mm	15-30 mm
Habitat	Mountains	Meadows
Diet	Predators	Predators
Regions	North America, Mexico	North America, Europe
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Robber Fly

Aggressive aerial predators that catch other insects in flight. Inject prey with neurotoxic saliva that paralyzes and liquefies internal organs for consumption.

💡

Did You Know?

Robber flies are such efficient aerial predators that they have been recorded catching dragonflies, wasps, and even other robber flies in mid-air.