Femme Fatale Firefly vs American Cuckoo Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Femme Fatale Firefly American Cuckoo Wasp
Scientific Name Photuris versicolor Chrysis angolensis
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Lampyridae Chrysididae
Size 11-15 mm 7-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Predators Parasites
Regions North America Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Femme Fatale Firefly

A predatory firefly that mimics the flash patterns of other species to lure males as prey. Females are aggressive hunters that consume other fireflies.

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Did You Know?

Females mimic the flash responses of Photinus females to attract and devour Photinus males, stealing their defensive chemicals in the process.

American Cuckoo Wasp

A metallic green and blue cuckoo wasp found across sub-Saharan Africa. It parasitizes mud-nesting wasps and bees on rocky outcrops and buildings.

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Did You Know?

Despite its species name referencing Angola, it is found throughout most of tropical and southern Africa.