Bethany Beach Firefly vs South American Dobsonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bethany Beach Firefly South American Dobsonfly
Scientific Name Photuris bethaniensis Chloronia hieroglyphica
Order Coleoptera Megaloptera
Family Lampyridae Corydalidae
Size 10-14 mm 60-90 mm wingspan
Habitat Wetlands Mountains
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Eastern United States South America
Conservation Vulnerable Data Deficient

Bethany Beach Firefly

A predatory firefly known from a narrow range along the mid-Atlantic coast. Females mimic the flash patterns of other firefly species to lure and eat the males.

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Did You Know?

By consuming other fireflies, females acquire defensive chemicals called lucibufagins that protect them from predators.

South American Dobsonfly

A large, distinctively patterned dobsonfly from South American mountain streams. Its wings bear intricate markings resembling hieroglyphic script.

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Did You Know?

Its elaborately patterned wings inspired the species name hieroglyphica.