Desert Fire Ant vs Western Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Fire Ant | Western Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Solenopsis aurea | Microphotus angustus |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 2-6 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Carrion Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Desert Fire Ant
A golden-colored fire ant native to the deserts of the American Southwest. It builds inconspicuous nests in sandy soil and forages for insects.
Did You Know?
Unlike its notorious invasive cousin, it is docile and rarely stings unless its nest is directly disturbed.
Western Firefly
A rare western North American firefly with larviform females that glow. Males are winged but produce no light.
Did You Know?
It is one of very few firefly species found west of the Rocky Mountains, where most people believe fireflies do not exist.