Glowworm Beetle vs New Zealand Caddisfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Glowworm Beetle New Zealand Caddisfly
Scientific Name Phengodes plumosa Olinga feredayi
Order Coleoptera Trichoptera
Family Phengodidae Conoesucidae
Size 10-30 mm (female) 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America New Zealand
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Glowworm Beetle

A soft-bodied beetle whose larviform females glow with paired green lanterns along their body. Males are winged but do not glow.

💡

Did You Know?

Unlike fireflies, the female never develops wings and retains a larva-like form throughout life.

New Zealand Caddisfly

A stony-cased caddisfly endemic to New Zealand streams. Larvae are important grazers found in virtually all clean New Zealand rivers.

💡

Did You Know?

It is the most commonly encountered caddisfly in New Zealand freshwater surveys.