Big Dipper Firefly vs Streamlined Backswimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Big Dipper Firefly | Streamlined Backswimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Photinus consimilis | Notonecta irrorata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Notonectidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Big Dipper Firefly
A common North American firefly that produces a slow, arching flash resembling the Big Dipper constellation pattern. It is active in early summer evenings.
Did You Know?
Each species of Photinus has evolved its own unique flash pattern to avoid mating with the wrong species.
Streamlined Backswimmer
A pale backswimmer with mottled wings found in still and slow-moving waters across North America. Like other backswimmers, it hangs just below the water surface film waiting for prey vibrations. It is a strong underwater swimmer.
Did You Know?
It senses prey by detecting surface water vibrations with specialized sensory hairs on its legs, effectively turning the water surface into a detection web.