Variable Dung Beetle vs Twin-spotted Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Variable Dung Beetle | Twin-spotted Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onthophagus fracticornis | Photinus tanytoxus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 5-9 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Western Asia | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Variable Dung Beetle
A small, highly variable tunneling dung beetle found across Europe. Coloration ranges from pale brown to nearly black with various mottled patterns. Males have a small bent horn, giving the species its name.
Did You Know?
The extreme color variation in this species once led taxonomists to describe multiple color forms as separate species.
Twin-spotted Firefly
A small North American firefly with a bright greenish-yellow flash and distinctive twin light organs visible on the last abdominal segments. Males produce a slow, pulsing glow while in flight.
Did You Know?
This species produces lucibufagins, toxic steroids that make it unpalatable to predators like spiders and birds.