Excavated Rove Beetle vs Western Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Excavated Rove Beetle | Western Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Omalium excavatum | Microphotus angustus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, introduced to North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Excavated Rove Beetle
A small, brownish omaline rove beetle with distinctive excavations on the pronotum. It frequents decaying vegetation and is particularly associated with compost heaps and grass clippings.
Did You Know?
This species thrives in the heat-generating centers of compost heaps, tolerating temperatures that would be lethal to many other insects.
Western Firefly
A rare western North American firefly with larviform females that glow. Males are winged but produce no light.
Did You Know?
It is one of very few firefly species found west of the Rocky Mountains, where most people believe fireflies do not exist.