European Large Firefly vs Imperial Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Large Firefly Imperial Moth
Scientific Name Lamprohiza splendidula Eacles imperialis
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lampyridae Saturniidae
Size 8-12 mm 80-135 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Central Europe, Northern Europe Eastern North America, Mexico, Central America, South 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.

Imperial Moth

A large moth with bright yellow wings variably marked with purple-brown spots and patches. It is one of the most recognizable saturniids in the Americas.

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Did You Know?

The imperial moth has declined dramatically in the northeastern United States, likely due to parasitic flies introduced for gypsy moth control.