European Spruce Sawfly vs Chinese Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Spruce Sawfly Chinese Firefly
Scientific Name Gilpinia hercyniae Pyrocoelia rufa
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Diprionidae Lampyridae
Size 7-10 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, introduced to North America China, Japan, Korea
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

European Spruce Sawfly

A moderately sized sawfly with dark brown to black coloring and pectinate antennae in males. Larvae are green with white lateral stripes and feed on spruce needles.

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Did You Know?

After its introduction to North America in the 1920s, it caused massive spruce defoliation until a naturally occurring nuclear polyhedrosis virus brought populations under control.

Chinese Firefly

A large Asian firefly with a bright orange-red thorax and powerful bioluminescent glow. It is commonly seen near streams and rice paddies on warm evenings.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae are aquatic and hunt freshwater snails underwater, breathing through special abdominal gills.