Glowworm Beetle vs Dingy Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Glowworm Beetle Dingy Skipper
Scientific Name Phengodes plumosa Erynnis tages
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Phengodidae Hesperiidae
Size 10-30 mm (female) 27-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Glowworm Beetle

A soft-bodied beetle whose larviform females glow with paired green lanterns along their body. Males are winged but do not glow.

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Did You Know?

Unlike fireflies, the female never develops wings and retains a larva-like form throughout life.

Dingy Skipper

A small, moth-like butterfly with mottled grey-brown wings that rests with wings spread flat. It is easily overlooked due to its drab colouration.

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Did You Know?

On cool days it basks with wings open like a moth rather than holding them upright like most butterflies.