Chinese Aquatic Firefly vs Red-bellied Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chinese Aquatic Firefly | Red-bellied Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquatica ficta | Tasgius melanarius |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | China | Europe, introduced to North America and Australia |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Chinese Aquatic Firefly
A firefly with fully aquatic larvae found in streams across southern China. It was the first species placed in the genus Aquatica, erected specifically for water-dwelling lampyrids.
Did You Know?
Larvae breathe underwater using specialized tracheal gills unique among fireflies.
Red-bellied Rove Beetle
A large, shiny black rove beetle with a reddish-brown abdominal tip, found in synanthropic habitats across Europe. It is commonly encountered in gardens and urban areas where it hunts at night.
Did You Know?
This beetle is one of the most synanthropic rove beetles, frequently entering houses and cellars where it is often mistaken for an earwig.