Black Burying Beetle vs Chinese Rhagophthalmid Glowworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Burying Beetle Chinese Rhagophthalmid Glowworm
Scientific Name Nicrophorus humator Rhagophthalmus lufengensis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Silphidae Rhagophthalmidae
Size 18-26mm 10-18 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Forests
Diet Carrion Feeders Predators
Regions Europe East Asia, China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Burying Beetle

A large all-black burying beetle with orange-tipped antennae. It buries animal carcasses for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

One of the largest burying beetles in Europe and can inter a mouse-sized carcass in just a few hours.

Chinese Rhagophthalmid Glowworm

A bioluminescent beetle from southern China with larviform females that emit a steady greenish glow from ventral light organs. Males have well-developed wings but vestigial mouthparts.

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Did You Know?

This species has been studied for its unique luciferase, which differs significantly from that of the related firefly family Lampyridae.