Giant Bornean Lanternfly vs New Zealand Glow-Worm Firefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Bornean Lanternfly New Zealand Glow-Worm Firefly
Scientific Name Pyrops whiteheadi Atyphella flammans
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Fulgoridae Lampyridae
Size 40-50 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Predators
Regions Asia Oceania
Conservation Data Deficient Data Deficient

Giant Bornean Lanternfly

A spectacular lanternfly from Borneo with an elongated horn-like head process and vivid coloring. The function of the snout remains debated — possibly mimicry or balance.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called lanternflies, these insects do not actually produce light — the myth dates to the 1600s when scientist Maria Sibylla Merian claimed they glowed.

New Zealand Glow-Worm Firefly

An Australasian firefly found in subtropical forests of eastern Australia. It produces a steady amber glow rather than a blinking flash.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing the name 'glow-worm' with New Zealand cave glow-worms, this is a true firefly beetle, not a fungus gnat.