Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat vs Green Web Spinner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat Green Web Spinner
Scientific Name Keroplatus testaceus Oligotoma nigra
Order Diptera Embioptera
Family Keroplatidae Oligotomidae
Size 8-12 mm 7.0-10.0 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Asia, Africa
Conservation Near Threatened Not Evaluated

Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat

A remarkable fungus gnat whose larvae create bioluminescent webs on bracket fungi. The blue-green glow attracts prey insects. One of the few bioluminescent insects outside fireflies.

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Did You Know?

Larvae glow in the dark, creating eerie blue-green patches on bracket fungi in dark forests.

Green Web Spinner

A dark-bodied web spinner found in tropical Asia and Africa. Despite its name, the body is dark brown to black with greenish undertones.

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Did You Know?

Web spinners can run backwards through their silk tunnels as quickly as they run forwards.