The larva or larviform adult of any of several South American beetles of the genus Phrixothrix (family Phengodidae), characterized by luminescent red and green patches on the body; also called railroad beetle.
Origin
Late 19th century.
Definition of railway beetle in US English:
railway beetle
noun
The larva or larviform adult of any of several South American beetles of the genus Phrixothrix (family Phengodidae), characterized by luminescent red and green patches on the body; also called railroad beetle.