Firefly vs Hairy-saddled Colletes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Firefly | Hairy-saddled Colletes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Photinus pyralis | Colletes succinctus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Lampyridae | Colletidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Heathland |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Firefly
Famous for bioluminescent signals produced by a chemical reaction in their abdomen. Each species has a unique flash pattern used for mate recognition.
Did You Know?
Firefly light is the most efficient in the world — nearly 100% of the energy is emitted as light, compared to only 10% for an incandescent bulb.
Hairy-saddled Colletes
A late-summer plasterer bee that is a specialist on heather, secreting a cellophane-like lining in its underground nest cells. It is an important heathland indicator species.
Did You Know?
The cellophane-like substance it secretes to waterproof its nest cells is a unique biopolymer not found in any other group of animals.