Chinese Aquatic Firefly vs Reindeer Nose Bot Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chinese Aquatic Firefly | Reindeer Nose Bot Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquatica ficta | Cephenemyia trompe |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Oestridae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | China | Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia, Siberia |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Chinese Aquatic Firefly
A firefly with fully aquatic larvae found in streams across southern China. It was the first species placed in the genus Aquatica, erected specifically for water-dwelling lampyrids.
Did You Know?
Larvae breathe underwater using specialized tracheal gills unique among fireflies.
Reindeer Nose Bot Fly
A large, hairy, bee-like fly that squirts live larvae into the nostrils of reindeer. The larvae develop in the nasal passages and throat of the host. Adults resemble bumblebees and do not feed.
Did You Know?
This fly is one of the fastest insects in the world for its size, capable of pursuing running reindeer at speeds exceeding 40 kilometers per hour.