Water Scavenger Beetle vs Railroad Worm
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Water Scavenger Beetle | Railroad Worm |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hydrophilus piceus | Phrixothrix hirtus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Hydrophilidae | Phengodidae |
| Size | 34-48 mm | 30-65 mm (larvae) |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | South America |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Water Scavenger Beetle
One of the largest European water beetles, with a glossy black, boat-shaped body. Despite its name, it is largely herbivorous as an adult.
Did You Know?
It carries air under its body in a silvery film, giving it a shimmering appearance underwater.
Railroad Worm
A beetle larva with 11 pairs of green-glowing lateral organs and a red-glowing headlamp — the only land animal that produces two different colors of bioluminescence simultaneously.
Did You Know?
The railroad worm is the only terrestrial animal that glows in two colors at once — green along its sides like railway car windows and red on its head like a locomotive.