New Zealand Glowworm vs Splendid Earth-boring Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Glowworm | Splendid Earth-boring Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arachnocampa luminosa | Bolbocerosoma farctum |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Keroplatidae | Geotrupidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm (larvae) | 8-14mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Glowworm
A bioluminescent fungus gnat larva endemic to New Zealand. Produces blue-green light to lure prey into sticky silk threads dangling from cave ceilings.
Did You Know?
These glowworms use a completely different bioluminescent chemistry from fireflies — their luciferin is unique in the animal kingdom, derived from xanthurenic acid.
Splendid Earth-boring Beetle
A stout rotund beetle with a polished amber-brown body. It digs deep burrows in sandy soil and is attracted to lights at night.
Did You Know?
It helps propagate underground fungi by carrying fungal spores between burrows acting as a subterranean gardener.