Giant Robber Firefly vs Southern Hawker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Robber Firefly Southern Hawker
Scientific Name Photuris lucicrescens Aeshna cyanea
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Lampyridae Aeshnidae
Size 12-16 mm 70-76 mm wingspan
Habitat Meadows Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Eastern North America Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Giant Robber Firefly

A large predatory firefly from eastern North America that mimics the flash patterns of Photinus species. Females lure Photinus males to consume them.

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Did You Know?

Females can switch between multiple flash patterns, mimicking different prey species on a single evening.

Southern Hawker

A large, inquisitive dragonfly with apple-green and blue markings on a dark body. It is known for its curiosity and often approaches and hovers near humans.

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Did You Know?

Southern hawkers are among the most curious dragonflies and will frequently investigate humans, hovering at eye level as if studying them.