Dark Soldier Beetle vs European Glow-Worm Click Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Soldier Beetle European Glow-Worm Click Beetle
Scientific Name Cantharis obscura Phosphaenus hemipterus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cantharidae Lampyridae
Size 9-13 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Meadows Underground
Diet Pollen Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dark Soldier Beetle

A dark-colored European soldier beetle often found on umbelliferous flowers. Its entirely dark elytra distinguish it from the more colorful soldier beetle species.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are velvety black and hunt small invertebrates among leaf litter throughout the winter months.

European Glow-Worm Click Beetle

A small European firefly with reduced wings in the male and completely wingless females. Both sexes produce faint bioluminescence.

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Did You Know?

Males walk along the ground rather than flying, making them one of the few fireflies where males cannot fly at all.