Glowworm Beetle vs Pictured Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Glowworm Beetle | Pictured Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phengodes plumosa | Paederus littoralis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Phengodidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 10-30 mm (female) | 7-10mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Wetlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Unlike fireflies, the female never develops wings and retains a larva-like form throughout life.
Pictured Rove Beetle
A slender black and orange rove beetle with short elytra exposing most of its abdomen. It contains the toxin pederin which causes severe skin blisters.
Did You Know?
Pederin produced by symbiotic bacteria in the beetle is more potent drop for drop than cobra venom but is only released when the beetle is crushed on skin.