European Large Firefly vs Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Large Firefly Aquatic Snail-killing Fly
Scientific Name Lamprohiza splendidula Sepedon sphegea
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Lampyridae Sciomyzidae
Size 8-12 mm 5-9 mm
Habitat Woodlands Wetlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Central Europe, Northern Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Large Firefly

A central European firefly whose males produce a continuous greenish glow while flying. Its predatory larvae spend up to three years feeding on snails in woodland soils.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most European glowworms both males and females of this species are bioluminescent.

Aquatic Snail-killing Fly

A slender marsh fly with a distinctly pointed abdomen and yellowish-brown coloring. Larvae are aquatic predators of freshwater snails, attacking them underwater.

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Did You Know?

A single larva may consume multiple snails during its development, making it an effective natural snail control agent.