Desert Spider Beetle vs Western Firefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Spider Beetle | Western Firefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cysteodemus armatus | Microphotus angustus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Lampyridae |
| Size | 10-16 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Desert Spider Beetle
A bizarre inflated blister beetle with a bulbous, metallic blue-black abdomen. It waddles slowly through the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Did You Know?
Its balloon-like body shape mimics a spider, which may deter some predators.
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.