South African Glowworm vs Variable Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Glowworm Variable Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Lamprigera boyei Philonthus varians
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Staphylinidae
Size 15-40 mm (female), 10-15 mm (male) 5-7 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Farmland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Africa, Southern Africa Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

South African Glowworm

A large firefly from southern Africa with larviform females that produce a steady bright greenish glow. Males are winged but rarely seen, while the large glowing females are conspicuous at night.

💡

Did You Know?

The females of this genus are among the largest fireflies in the world and can exceed 40 mm in length.

Variable Rove Beetle

A small but abundant rove beetle highly variable in elytral coloration, ranging from entirely black to reddish-brown. It is one of Europe's most common staphylinids in agricultural settings.

💡

Did You Know?

Population studies have shown densities of over 100 individuals per square meter in well-managed agricultural fields.