Elongate Springtail vs Twin-spotted Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elongate Springtail Twin-spotted Firefly
Scientific Name Entomobrya nivalis Photinus tanytoxus
Order Collembola Coleoptera
Family Entomobryidae Lampyridae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, North America North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Elongate Springtail

A slender, colorful springtail with variable banding patterns found on tree bark. It is one of the most common European entomobryid springtails.

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Did You Know?

Despite its species name meaning snowy, this springtail is most commonly found on sun-warmed tree bark rather than snow.

Twin-spotted Firefly

A small North American firefly with a bright greenish-yellow flash and distinctive twin light organs visible on the last abdominal segments. Males produce a slow, pulsing glow while in flight.

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Did You Know?

This species produces lucibufagins, toxic steroids that make it unpalatable to predators like spiders and birds.