Cobalt Milkweed Beetle vs Jamaican Click Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cobalt Milkweed Beetle | Jamaican Click Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysochus cobaltinus auratus | Pyrophorus noctilucus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae | Elateridae |
| Size | 8-11mm | 25-40 mm |
| Habitat | Meadows | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Root Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Central America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cobalt Milkweed Beetle
A subspecies of the cobalt blue milkweed beetle with slightly more golden-green coloring.
Did You Know?
The metallic blue and green coloring warns predators that it has sequestered toxic compounds from milkweed.
Jamaican Click Beetle
The brightest bioluminescent insect known. Indigenous peoples used them as temporary lanterns by placing several in a jar. Two light organs on the thorax glow intense green.
Did You Know?
This click beetle is so bright that indigenous Caribbean people used them as living lanterns — a few beetles in a perforated gourd could light a room or mark a path.