Blue Mountains Glowworm vs Broad Centurion Soldier Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blue Mountains Glowworm Broad Centurion Soldier Fly
Scientific Name Arachnocampa richardsae Chloromyia formosa
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Mycetophilidae Stratiomyidae
Size 3-5 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Detritivores
Regions Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Blue Mountains Glowworm

An Australian bioluminescent fungus gnat closely related to the New Zealand glowworm. Its larvae hang from cave ceilings and rainforest overhangs, emitting a blue-green glow.

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Did You Know?

Different Arachnocampa species emit slightly different colors of light, from blue-green to green-yellow.

Broad Centurion Soldier Fly

A beautiful metallic green soldier fly with a broad, flattened abdomen and coppery reflections. Males are more blue-green while females appear more coppery-bronze.

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Did You Know?

Males and females are so differently colored that they were originally described as separate species.