Giant Namib Darkling Beetle vs New Zealand Glow-Worm Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Namib Darkling Beetle New Zealand Glow-Worm Firefly
Scientific Name Onymacris rugatipennis Atyphella flammans
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Tenebrionidae Lampyridae
Size 25-35 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Forests
Diet Detritivores Predators
Regions Africa Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Giant Namib Darkling Beetle

One of the largest darkling beetles in the Namib, with deeply ridged wing covers. It is active during the day, running rapidly across hot sand.

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Did You Know?

It can sprint across sand that reaches temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius by raising its body high on stilt-like legs.

New Zealand Glow-Worm Firefly

An Australasian firefly found in subtropical forests of eastern Australia. It produces a steady amber glow rather than a blinking flash.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing the name 'glow-worm' with New Zealand cave glow-worms, this is a true firefly beetle, not a fungus gnat.