fire beetle

noun

1
: a tropical American beetle of the genus Pyrophorus
especially : a common large beetle (P. noctilucus) having powerful luminous organs on the sides of the thorax and base of the abdomen compare firefly
2
Australia : any of several beetles attracted to firelight

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Cite this Entry

“Fire beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20beetle. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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