Chinese Aquatic Firefly vs Snow Patch Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Aquatic Firefly Snow Patch Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Aquatica ficta Nebria rufescens
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lampyridae Carabidae
Size 8-12 mm 8-11 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Mountains
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions China Scandinavia, Alps, Scotland
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.

Snow Patch Ground Beetle

A reddish-brown ground beetle found near persistent snow patches. It is among the first predators to colonize newly exposed ground after snowmelt.

💡

Did You Know?

It can detect prey vibrations through the loose gravel substrate it inhabits.