Oak Pinhole Borer vs Large Asian Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oak Pinhole Borer Large Asian Firefly
Scientific Name Platypus cylindrus Lamprigera tenebrosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Lampyridae
Size 4-6 mm 20-50 mm (female), 15-20 mm (male)
Habitat Gardens Forests
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Europe East Asia, Southeast Asia, China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Oak Pinhole Borer

A tiny ambrosia beetle that bores into oak trees and cultivates fungal gardens inside its tunnels. The only European species of its subfamily. Males guard the tunnel entrance.

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Did You Know?

One of the few farming insects in Europe, cultivating fungal crops inside tunnels bored into oak wood.

Large Asian Firefly

A very large Asian firefly with dark brown elytra and a broad body. The larviform females are among the largest bioluminescent insects, reaching impressive sizes as they prey on giant land snails.

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Did You Know?

Females can weigh over 5 grams, making them among the heaviest bioluminescent insects on Earth.