Iberian Snakefly vs Kaup Bess Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Iberian Snakefly Kaup Bess Beetle
Scientific Name Harraphidia laufferi Passalus interstitialis
Order Raphidioptera Coleoptera
Family Raphidiidae Passalidae
Size 10-14 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Spain, Portugal Central America, Mexico
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Iberian Snakefly

A snakefly endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, found in cork oak and pine woodlands. It is one of several snakefly species restricted to the western Mediterranean.

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Did You Know?

The Iberian Peninsula is a hotspot for snakefly diversity, hosting more species per area than almost anywhere else.

Kaup Bess Beetle

A large, elongate, shiny black bess beetle with prominent mandibles and longitudinal grooves on the elytra. It is the most common Passalid in Central America. Colonies of adults and larvae inhabit decaying logs.

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Did You Know?

Bess beetles are subsocial insects where parents and offspring live together and cooperate in maintaining their log galleries.