European Glowworm vs Blackburn's Damselfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Glowworm Blackburn's Damselfly
Scientific Name Lampyris noctiluca Megalagrion blackburni
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Lampyridae Coenagrionidae
Size 15-25 mm (females); 10-12 mm (males) 30-40 mm
Habitat Hedgerows Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Oceania (Hawaii)
Conservation Vulnerable Endangered

European Glowworm

A well-known European firefly where only the wingless female produces a steady green glow. Males are winged but produce no light.

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Did You Know?

Females glow for up to two hours each night to attract flying males, then stop after mating.

Blackburn's Damselfly

A Hawaiian endemic damselfly historically found on multiple islands but now restricted to a few locations. It breeds in streams and seeps in native forests. It is one of the most threatened members of the remarkable Megalagrion radiation.

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Did You Know?

Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies have evolved to breed in an extraordinary range of habitats, from streams to tree holes to damp leaf litter.