Forest Caterpillar Hunter vs Iberian Glow-Worm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Forest Caterpillar Hunter Iberian Glow-Worm
Scientific Name Calosoma sycophanta Lampyris iberica
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Lampyridae
Size 25-35 mm 12-20 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, North Africa; introduced to North America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Forest Caterpillar Hunter

A large, brilliant metallic green and gold ground beetle that climbs trees to hunt caterpillars. It was introduced to North America for gypsy moth biocontrol.

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Did You Know?

A single beetle can consume over 300 caterpillars during its larval and adult life.

Iberian Glow-Worm

A glow-worm firefly found in Spain and Portugal with wingless, luminous females. It inhabits Mediterranean scrublands and open woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Female glow-worms can control the intensity of their glow and will extinguish their light immediately if disturbed by a predator.