South African Robber Fly vs European Glow-Worm Click Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Robber Fly European Glow-Worm Click Beetle
Scientific Name Alcimus tristrigatus Phosphaenus hemipterus
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Asilidae Lampyridae
Size 18-26 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Southern Africa Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

South African Robber Fly

A large, hairy robber fly endemic to southern Africa's fynbos and savanna. It perches conspicuously on shrubs while scanning for prey.

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Did You Know?

Southern Africa harbors one of the richest robber fly faunas in the world.

European Glow-Worm Click Beetle

A small European firefly with reduced wings in the male and completely wingless females. Both sexes produce faint bioluminescence.

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Did You Know?

Males walk along the ground rather than flying, making them one of the few fireflies where males cannot fly at all.