European Glowworm vs Shining Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Glowworm Shining Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Lampyris noctiluca Quedius fuliginosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Staphylinidae
Size 15-25 mm (females); 10-12 mm (males) 9-15 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe, Western Asia Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

European Glowworm

A well-known European firefly where only the wingless female produces a steady green glow. Males are winged but produce no light.

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Did You Know?

Females glow for up to two hours each night to attract flying males, then stop after mating.

Shining Rove Beetle

A sleek, shiny dark brown rove beetle with a smooth, mirror-like pronotum. It is one of the most common Quedius species in wet woodland habitats across Europe.

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Did You Know?

The mirror-smooth pronotum of this beetle repels water so effectively that it can move through waterlogged habitats without getting wet.