Chinese Terrestrial Glowworm Firefly vs African Paper Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Chinese Terrestrial Glowworm Firefly African Paper Wasp
Scientific Name Pyrocoelia pectoralis Belonogaster juncea
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lampyridae Vespidae
Size 14-22 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Mountains Underground
Diet Predators Predators
Regions East Asia, China Southern Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Chinese Terrestrial Glowworm Firefly

A large firefly with dark brown elytra and a bright reddish pronotum. Females are wingless and produce a steady glow. This species has been used extensively in Chinese bioluminescence research.

💡

Did You Know?

The mass collection of this species for commercial firefly-viewing events in China has raised conservation concerns.

African Paper Wasp

A slender reddish-brown social wasp that builds small open paper nests under eaves and branches. It preys on caterpillars to feed its larvae.

💡

Did You Know?

They are considered beneficial by gardeners because a single colony can destroy hundreds of caterpillar pests per week.