Australian Flower Wasp vs Twin-spotted Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Flower Wasp Twin-spotted Firefly
Scientific Name Campsomeris tasmaniensis Photinus tanytoxus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Scoliidae Lampyridae
Size 15-25 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Nectar Feeders Predators
Regions Australia North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Flower Wasp

A hairy black and orange scoliid wasp endemic to Australia. Males patrol flowers while females dig into soil to parasitize curl grub beetle larvae.

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Did You Know?

Males are commonly seen hovering over lawns in large numbers, searching for females emerging from underground.

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.

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Did You Know?

This species produces lucibufagins, toxic steroids that make it unpalatable to predators like spiders and birds.