Common Darter vs Heike Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Darter | Heike Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sympetrum striolatum | Luciola lateralis |
| Order | Odonata | Coleoptera |
| Family | Libellulidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 35-44 mm body length | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, Northern Europe | Japan, Korean Peninsula |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Common Darter
Europe's most abundant dragonfly, with mature males turning bright orange-red. It is often the last dragonfly flying in autumn, sometimes into November.
Did You Know?
Mating pairs lay eggs by repeatedly dipping the female's abdomen into the water while flying in tandem.
Heike Firefly
A Japanese firefly associated with rice paddies, smaller than the Genji firefly. It flashes more rapidly and is found in lowland wetland habitats.
Did You Know?
It is named after the Heike clan from Japanese history and is celebrated alongside the Genji firefly in summer festivals.